Robert Pires

“I think football needs guys like Arsene Wenger.”

“In England, football is a religion. In France, football is not a religion. It's wine and food.”

“Patrick Vieira is better than Fernandinho.”

“All the top clubs want to sign great players, but if you want a great player it costs a lot of money.”

“I believe one's relatives are the most important people of all, they form a protective circle around you.”

“Going to play in India at the end of my career was particularly special. I never thought I would get the chance to even visit India, let alone play football there.”

“When you arrive at the training ground, you need to disconnect and focus on training.”

“If you have the chance to go to MLS, it is a good opportunity.”

“I never watched British television. I bought myself a satellite for French, Spanish and Portuguese TV, instead.”

“At 15, I was playing with the C team at Reims and I wanted to leave. It's a difficult age for a kid - I wanted to go out with my mates, party... girls... that happens to everyone. Luckily, my mum told me: 'You don't know what you want, it's football - it's your dream and it could be a great job.' She was right.”

“Mbappe always performs whether that's in Ligue 1, Champions League or with the France national team.”

“I consider myself a survivor.”

“The bond I feel for my parents is very strong.”

“It would be very good news for the Premier League if Zidane moved to England.”

“Mourinho could train anyone. He is great.”

“You can't know where you're going when you're a coach.”

“Zidane was a leader and a strong character.”

“Sometimes, a national team's shirt is heavy.”

“I've always loved playing football.”

“To win the World Cup in your own country was magical. When Didier Deschamps lifted the trophy, I thought: 'Wow, I'm a very lucky man.'”