Indian Super League: FC Goa Reveal Ex-Arsenal Star Robert Pires as Marquee Player
Robert Pires has been part of the World Cup and Euro Cup winning squads for France. He will be one of the top attractions in Indian Super League
Indian Super League team FC Goa on Tuesday introduced marquee player Robert Pires at a ceremony in Mumbai. Pires along with Delhi's Alessandro Del Piero and Pune's David Trezeguet will be among the top attractions in the new football league.
FC Goa made headlines when they signed Brazilian legend and three-time World Cupper Arthur Antunes Coimbra, fondly known as Zico, as their marquee coach. Zico was present during Tuesday's ceremony which also introduced Indian star cricketer Virat Kohli as a co-owner.
Very few football fans will need an introduction to Pires, who has been a part of the World Cup and Euro Cup winning squads for France and has won several club triumphs for Arsenal.
Frenchman Pires said: "I'm excited to play for FC Goa in the inaugural season of the ISL. I look forward to my time in Goa and India and to contribute positively to the development of football in the country."
Meanwhile, former Manchester United star Louis Saha expects his former French international team-mate Pires to bring a touch of class to the upcoming Indian Super League.
"Robert Pires is a class player and a player who is enjoyable to watch so it's a real pleasure to see him commit to the Indian Super League," Saha told Sky Sports.
"I know that Robert is a very motivated player. He wants to play, he wants to enjoy his football and he's missing it so he will definitely bring that enthusiasm. On top of that, he's a winner and you have to keep that in mind because it's a tournament and he will want to win it."
FC Goa will kick off the first game of the Indian Super League against Chennaiyin FC at home on October 16. Other teams in the league include Kerala Blasters, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, FC Pune City, Delhi Dynamos, Atletico de Kolkata and North East United.