Pires pledges future to Gunners

Robert Pires has joined Patrick Vieira in pledging his long-term future to Arsenal.

Pires, who is currently receiving treatment on his injured knee in Saint Raphael, in the south of France, insists he wants to sort his contract extension as soon as possible too.

‘‘I should also extend my contract very soon,’’ he said. ‘‘If everyone stays there is no reason why I would not, we have great seasons ahead of us with Arsenal.’’

Arsene Wenger’s men clinched a League and Cup double by beating Manchester United 1-0 on Wednesday night.

And although he was reluctant to discuss his Gunners future at Old Trafford, Vieira has since vowed that he will be staying.

He told L’Equipe: ‘‘I want to stay with Arsenal because of their potential and not because we have just won trophies.

‘‘The team is young. In 1998 during our double trophy the team’s average age was over 29 despite having me and Nicolas Anelka.

‘‘Now it must be around 25 years old and this means that if we keep our fighting spirit and we all stay at the club there is no reason why we will not win more and more.’’

Vieira, who will next week join the French team in Clairefontaine, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid but he insists he decided some time ago that he was staying with the Gunners.

‘‘Rumours would not stop and according to the newspapers my transfer was changing by a few millions every day,’’ said Vieira. ‘‘But, in my mind, things have been clear for a long time I want to stay at Arsenal.

‘‘I feel too happy here and I love the club too much to leave. Next year I will be here. I am a Gunner.

‘‘We are still discussing with the club’s manager (Arsene Wenger) my contract but I have another two years to my existing deal and whatever happens I want to continue here because the adventure I am experiencing is beautiful.’’

Vieira also paid tribute to Wenger, adding: ‘‘Arsene’s contribution is huge, fundamental even. He is always with us and always positive.

‘‘He is building up a great club with passion and intelligence.’’