Pirès takes positives from defeat

Robert Pirès may have seen Villarreal CF's UEFA Champions League hopes dashed by Arsenal FC last night, but it was still a memorable evening for the 35-year-old.

Salute
The second leg of the quarter-final tie marked Pirès's first game at the Arsenal Stadium, having ended his six-year spell with the Gunners in the last Highbury season of 2005/06, and he was rewarded with two separate ovations – the second continuing past kick-off. "On a personal level, it was very nice and very inspiring," said the former France midfielder, who also had his name chanted during the first half. "Honestly, I did not expect it. Although I know Arsenal players never forget their old colleagues, it still touched my heart. I also found out what it's like to play in this stadium, as I've never been here before. Despite the defeat, I will remember this for a long time. It has been very emotional."

Arsenal backing
Beaten 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate, Villarreal's thoughts now turn to the Spanish Liga and their attempt to return to the UEFA Champions League next season. Arsenal, though, have a semi-final date with holders Manchester United FC, and Pirès is hoping Arsène Wenger's side go one better than three years ago. "This is a big team that has a lot of potential, a lot of pace, freshness and youth," Pirès said. "I want to see them go all the way to the final and win the Champions League. I am still a fan of this club, especially because they play the kind of football that I love."