Former Arsenal and France winger Robert Pires has named the one club that he thinks could stop the Gunners from winning this year’s Champions League.
Pires, 51, is widely regarded as one of Arsenal’s greatest wingers having played 284 times for the club during Arsene Wenger’s reign as manager.
The 1998 World Cup winner registered 84 goals and 63 assists, which helped the Gunners to two Premier League titles and three FA Cups in his six seasons in north London.
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Despite playing alongside the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp during his time at the club, Pires could not secure the Champions League.
This season, Mikel Arteta’s side have been in fine form in Europe and sit third in the 36-team group phase. Arsenal will face Girona at the Estadi Montilivi on Wednesday evening and require just one point to secure an automatic spot in the knockout stage.
However, despite their impressive form in Europe this season, Pires still thinks another club could beat Arsenal to their first Champions League crown.
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"Of course, I hope Arsenal will do well and I think that they do have a good chance because their type of football may suit the Champions League,” Pires said at the Playstation Crossover Concept Event in Paris, which saw players come together to take on amateur players and creators in a uniquely designed court inspired by the PS5 DualSense controller.
"I always enjoy watching and talking about players with good technique, because for me, that is the most important thing.
"Now, people in France want to always focus on athleticism and physicality, but football is about how you play with your feet."
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However, he admitted that “Barcelona” are “favourites” with Hansi Flick’s side second in the group phase heading into the final round of fixtures.
"For me, the best team in the tournament is Barcelona," added Pires. "I love their philosophy and the technique of the players. I love Robert Lewandowski. Then they have some amazing young players with great technique.
"Lamine Yamal is one of the best, but also Pedri and Gavi are like Xavi and Iniesta from my time. Barcelona always builds young players through La Macia and I always enjoy watching this type of football.”
Barca are set to take on Atalanta at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on Wednesday and have already secured their spot in the round of 16 following their thrilling 5-4 away win against Benfica last week.
Topics: Arsenal, Champions League, Barcelona, Mikel Arteta, Thierry Henry, Robert Lewandowski
Luke Alfred Davies