Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects to face a motivated Robert Pires for this week's Champions League quarterfinal.

Wenger said: "I have spoken to him and he is working very hard in training to be ready to face us.

"Robert hides very well a strong determination so I expect him to be highly motivated to do well against us.

"Before his first cruciate injury he was the best player in the world in his position. We just gave him the ball and he would do the rest.

"I would have loved him to stay longer. He was such a great example. He is one of the greatest players to have played for us.

"I believe there are some easier teams to be playing in the final eight than Villarreal. But we have a chance so let's really go for it."