Arsenal hero Robert Pires has revealed he came close to signing for Juventus during his career.

Pires says he turned down a move to Juventus in the summer of 2000 in favour of a switch to Arsenal.

"It's true, I was very close to joining Juventus," the now 39-year-old told Calcio News 24. "It was 2000, but in the end I opted to join Arsenal. It was my choice.

"There are decisions that a player must make in the course of his career and this was a very tough choice.

"However, being able to play and be coached by Arsene Wenger, with whom I worked for six seasons winning the Premier League title and FA Cup, was absolutely the best for me.

"We also reached the Champions League Final against Barcelona. It was great."