FC Goa's Pires expresses desire to return to India as a coach

Robert Pires in action for FC Goa.

New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) Arsenal legend Robert Pires, who was the marquee signing of FC Goa, has expressed his desire to return to the country in the capacity of a coach in the Indian Super League (ISL).

Posting a picture on Twitter with his Goa teammates, he said: "My Indian team !! Hope to see you next year... maybe as a coach !!!," he tweeted Saturday.

The star French mid-fielder played eight matches for the Goan club in the inaugural season of the ISL and scored a goal. His team bowed out of the competition after losing to Atletico de Kolkata in the semi-final play-off.

The 41-year-old Pirès won three FA Cups and two English Premier League titles with Arsenal. The second league title, in 2003-04, saw Pirès play a starring role in a squad famously dubbed 'The Invincibles' after they went the entire season unbeaten.

Pirès' also had a glorious international career with the French national team. He won the 1998 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2000 UEFA Euro Championships. He was named Player of the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. In all, Pirès made 79 appearances for 'Les Bleus', scoring 14 times.