Robert Pires signs for Aston Villa after passing medical

18 November 2010 23:14
Robert Pires has confirmed he has signed a six-month contract with Aston Villa.[LNB]The 37-year-old winger passed a medical in the west Midlands and arrives as a free agent after leaving Spanish Villarreal in the summer.[LNB]Pires insists he is fit to make his debut against Blackburn on Sunday after training for several weeks with former club Arsenal.[LNB] On the move: Free agent Pires has been training with former club Arsenal in his bid to secure a new team[LNB]'I'm very happy here because I like English football,' he told Sky Sports News. 'For me it's important to work again. I am ready to play on Sunday against Blackburn, hopefully on the bench.[LNB]Asked about his new boss Gerard Houllier, Pires said: 'Like me he is very happy. He needed me and I needed him. [LNB]'I'm going to the club with experience. It's a young club and I think it's a good mix.'[LNB]It is though that Houllier picked out Pires as a perfect training-ground role model for Villa's crop of talented youngsters such as such as Marc Albrighton, Barry Banna, Nathan Delfouneso and Ciaran Clark.[LNB] Villa thriller: Marc Albrighton celebrates scoring against Manchester United[LNB]But, with injuries depleting the first-team squad, Pires should also get plenty of opportunities to play.[LNB]Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has already backed Pires to shine despite passing up the chance to re-sign him, and France boss Laurent Blanc was equally full of praise after leading his country to a 2-1 win against England on Wednesday night.[LNB]Blanc,who played alongside Pires in Les Bleus' World Cup-winning squad 12 years ago, said: 'If Gerard Houllier has made the decision, then Pires can offer something. [LNB][LNB]'Hewill not be wrong. Pires may be getting on in years but still has the skill and technique to bring something to the party at Aston Villa.'[LNB]  Villa confirm midfielder Delph should be back from injury in the New YearMartin O'Neill's exit as Villa boss was big break for me, says BannanTHE MIDLANDER: Forget Manchester United, Liverpool and West Ham, England's real Academy of Football is... Aston VillaASTON VILLA FC

Source: Daily_Mail