Pires talks down England return talk

Robert Pires has played down claims he is set for a return to English football next season after being linked with Birmingham and Leicester. Pires is without a club after being released by Primera Division outfit Villarreal in the close season and has been linked with a number of teams.Birmingham have shown reported interest in the former Arsenal player and Championship side Leicester are also said to be keen on landing the winger.The French World Cup winner quit the Gunners in 2006 to join the Spanish side after enjoying six successful years with the Londoners, winning the Premier League twice.But the 36-year-old has rubbished comments he reportedly made that suggested he was about to make a dramatic comeback to the English game.Pires said: "I saw the statements attributed to me, and saying I was in contact with several English clubs. I didn't make those statements."I would be attracted by a comeback to England, but no-one has contacted me or my agent so far."

Source: Team_Talk