Arsenal legend Robert Pires admits chatting with Arsene Wenger before moving to the Hero Indian Super League.
Pires is currently playing for FC Goa.
"Arsene Wenger is a very important person in my life," World Cup winner Pires told PA Sport.
"When the offer from ISL came forward I consulted with him, I explained to him the concept. He very positively said, 'Robert, go. If you are confident to play don't wait. You need to go'.
"The job of a manager is very difficult. It's a tough job. At this point of time I don't think I'm ready to take up that role, maybe later sometime I might.
"Football is my passion and I can still play, so I decided to come back to playing football.
"If you have the passion, you need to play. Whether it's Arsenal or FC Goa, I am always up for a challenge."
