Villarreal midfielder Robert Pires says he holds no grudge against Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger over the way he left the club.

"I am not still angry with Arsene," he said yesterday. "It cannot erase six years when I won trophies, learned from him, grew in confidence and did well with France's national team."

The pair remain in close contact.

"There will be a lot of emotion when I go out to face Arsenal for the first time since leaving," said Pires. "But if I can play well and eliminate them, then I am going to do it. For Villarreal, not for me.

"It was my goal to face Arsenal at least once before retiring and say goodbye to the tremendous fans. If I'm lucky enough to score, I know I won't celebrate, simply as a gesture of respect."