Robert Pires played for Arsenal from 2000-2006 and was one of the key men during the most successful period in the club’s history.
The former France international was one of the finest left midfielders the Premier League has ever seen, and is currently still working with the club as an ambassador.
The 44-year-old recently gave an interview to the Daily Mail and revealed that he believes Arsenal’s current squad actually have more quality than the famous 2003-2004 Invincible team, but lack players with certain characteristics.
‘I think this team have more quality than my teams. Even in 2003-04. But they need more character, more spirit, more warriors. That comes from the heart.
‘In my teams we had Vieira, Ray Parlour, Lee Dixon, Martin Keown, Gilberto Silva, Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp was a leader with his quality. And even Freddie Ljungberg was a warrior.
‘I’m not a warrior but it comes naturally to people like Patrick, like Adams. You need the mix between that and the quality. That’s very important.’ He said.
Pires also revealed that although he is not officially part of the Gunners coaching staff, Arsene Wenger still allows him to train with the first-team in order to keep fit for Arsenal Legend’s games.
During his six seasons at Highbury/The Emirates he won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and finished runners up in the Champions League.
Arsenal face Manchester City in the EFL Cup final on Sunday at Wembley, and they could certainly do with some warrior like performances from their players, if they are to have any hope of overcoming Pep Guardiola’s superb Man City side.
