Robert Pires has seen title winning mentality up close. And in an exclusive interview, the Arsenal legend believes the current side under Mikel Arteta finally has the depth and the deadly striker in Viktor Gyokeres to end the long wait for Premier League glory.
Speaking as part of the upcoming ‘The Big Pete’ project from Flashscore and CANAL+ Sport, the Invincibles hero opened up on the secrets of that immortal team, the bruising welcome he got from English football, and why today’s squad can dare to dream.
The Bergkamp Doctrine That Changed Everything
“For me, it all starts with one piece of advice,” Pires says, recalling his 2000 move. “Dennis Bergkamp told me, ‘The first touch is the key to everything, because football is very simple’. From a genius like him, that changes you.”
He admits his first six months were a culture shock. “It was brutal! Lee Dixon told me straight, ‘I’m not your friend, we train hard here’. The physicality, even in training, was nothing like France. But Arsene Wenger helped me adapt, and that advice from Dennis made me train differently. Every session was about control, vision, simplicity.”
The Invincibles’ Blueprint: Vieira’s Leadership & That Unique Mix
The mental fortitude of the 2003/04 unbeaten side remains iconic. Pires credits one man above all for forging it. “Patrick Vieira, without question. He was the captain, the leader. He was French but had an English mentality, honesty, fighting spirit. You need different leaders, but Patrick had everything.”
He believes Wenger’s blend was revolutionary. “He kept a strong English core Adams, Keown, Dixon but added French, Dutch, Spanish players. That mix was amazing. It wasn’t just about winning; he changed how football was played in England.”
Arteta’s Arsenal: “Now The Fans Can Dream”
While wary of direct comparisons, Pires sees a champion mentality emerging under Arteta. “The big change is the squad depth. The quality on the bench now, with players like Martinelli or Trossard, that is essential for fighting on all fronts.”
He identifies the club record signing of striker Viktor Gyokeres as the pivotal move. “For me, yes, he is that missing piece. You need a striker who scores consistently but also helps the team in difficult moments. He gives them something different. With him, the squad is complete.”
“The fans are right to believe again,” Pires states. “They can dream. It’s a long season, but this team is more focused, consistent, and mentally stronger. That is the mentality of champions.”
Golden Goals & Lightning Moves
Pires also reminisced on his iconic assist for France’s Euro 2000 golden goal. “It was a strange sub. I came on for a left back! I took the risk, dribbled past Cannavaro, and crossed for Trezeguet. When he scored, I knew we were champions.”
His celebration was cut famously short. “The very next day, I was in London doing my medical for Arsenal. European champion one day, a Gunner the next. An unbelievable 24 hours.”
For Pires, the formula for success remains timeless. “It always comes back to training. We stayed behind every day with the keeper, me, Thierry, Dennis, working on finishing. If you work well in training, you can do it in matches. That never changes.”
Find more Arsenal news and Premier League coverage on Flashscore.
