Robert Pires Refuses To Touch Champions League Trophy Due To 2006 Final Defeat

By The Editor
on 21st April 2017

Robert Pires re-lives bad memories of Paris, 2006…

Arsenal legend Robert Pires took part in the semi-final draw for the Champions League and the Europa League, though he refused to touch the trophy due to our defeat in Paris in 2006.

Speaking to beinSPORT’s Tancredi Palmeri, Pires stated immediately that he was “too close” to the trophy with the big ears which brought back some bad memories.

It’s the only major trophy which alluded Pires during his illustrious career, with the Arsenal legend boasting almost every winner’s medal available to him at both club and country level.

Palmeri reminded Pires that he shares his hurt, reminded the former winner that his infamous assist for France’s golden goal in Euro 2000 against Italy was still fresh in the mind.

“No I can’t touch it,” Pires insisted.

“No, because we missed this trophy in 2006.”

It definitely shows the mentality which was prevalent right throughout the squad we boasted in the early 2000s and how they viewed coming second best.

Reaching a final is all about winning the trophy for that team, and losing it means that the game is forever banished from their memories.

Paris, 2006 will eternally be a painful moment for us fans – at least until we reach that stage once again.

Check out the video above as Pires also gives his full take on the semi-final draw which took place on Friday.