Pires linked to MLS move

Thierry Henry has urged former Arsenal and France teammate Robert Pires to follow in his footsteps and join him in Major League Soccer next year, it was reported on Wednesday.

Aston Villa midfielder Pires, 37, told The Birmingham Mail that Henry, who plays for the New York Red Bulls, had encouraged him to seek a move to the United States.

"Thierry has phoned me. He called me up and said 'come over and play with me' but there are no real offers yet," Pires was quoted as saying.

"For the moment, there is nothing else because the Premier League is not yet finished for the season."

"I will wait until it is finished. I am relaxed about it. I still feel fit enough to play."

Pires joined Villa on a short-term contract earlier this year which runs until July. The French World Cup winner said he was open to remaining with Villa in the Premier League.

"I've not yet had talks with Villa about staying here after July (when his contract runs out)," he said.

"I should know soon hopefully. I have an appointment with Gerard Houllier soon."

"I hope so and I also hope that Gerard can stay (after his heart problem)."

"But I will still play football even if it is not at Aston Villa. If it is not at Villa, I will look for somewhere different."