Will317
08-09-2004, 06:34 PM
Two pieces of news have been released today on BBC.co.uk which contradict each other, based on comments by Robert Pires about the 'possible' transfer of Vieira to Real Madrid. The first talked of Robert Pires having made remarks along the lines of 'Everyone wanted him to stay, but he said his mind was made up'. Now that news seems to have been removed from the site, with this taking its place:
Arsenal's Robert Pires has denied remarks attributed to him which all but confirmed team-mate Patrick Vieira had decided to join Real Madrid.
Pires was quoted by a Scottish newspaper as saying: "We can all understand why he's decided to go." But he has retracted his remarks and said: "I have never given an interview to a Scottish newspaper. I have never said a word about Patrick's situation, I have too much respect for him to give my opinion."
He added: "How can I wish Patrick good luck in Madrid when I saw him at the training ground this morning? As far as I know Patrick hasn't signed for Real Madrid and I really hope, as do all my team-mates, that he stays with Arsenal."
The article in the Sunday Herald was written by Xavier Rivoire who wrote Pires' autobiography and virtually confirmed Vieira's departure. Pires was also quoted as saying: 'His sale will leave a huge void in the middle of our side but we can adapt to a life without his leadership. I'd just wish him all the luck in the world at the Bernabeu.'
Monday's Spanish newspapers interpreted those remarks as effectively throwing in the towel, given that Real rarely, if ever, fail to snare their leading transfer target each summer.
Anything to make of this chapter?
Arsenal's Robert Pires has denied remarks attributed to him which all but confirmed team-mate Patrick Vieira had decided to join Real Madrid.
Pires was quoted by a Scottish newspaper as saying: "We can all understand why he's decided to go." But he has retracted his remarks and said: "I have never given an interview to a Scottish newspaper. I have never said a word about Patrick's situation, I have too much respect for him to give my opinion."
He added: "How can I wish Patrick good luck in Madrid when I saw him at the training ground this morning? As far as I know Patrick hasn't signed for Real Madrid and I really hope, as do all my team-mates, that he stays with Arsenal."
The article in the Sunday Herald was written by Xavier Rivoire who wrote Pires' autobiography and virtually confirmed Vieira's departure. Pires was also quoted as saying: 'His sale will leave a huge void in the middle of our side but we can adapt to a life without his leadership. I'd just wish him all the luck in the world at the Bernabeu.'
Monday's Spanish newspapers interpreted those remarks as effectively throwing in the towel, given that Real rarely, if ever, fail to snare their leading transfer target each summer.
Anything to make of this chapter?