A match with Pires: Former Arsenal star Robert Pires dribbles the ball in a match during the Arsenal Indonesia Football Marathon program in Jakarta on Saturday
span class="inline inline-none">
Former Arsenal star Robert Pires has recommended the optimization of soccer school and the utilization of good soccer management for Indonesia to develop a strong national team.
'I think for young players the most important thing is to have an academy because in an academy you can learn and watch the good situations,' he told The Jakarta Post during an interview in Jakarta on Saturday.
'You have good talents; maybe you need a premier manager,' he said.
Pires came to Jakarta as Arsenal's soccer ambassador with a mission to reach out to the English Premier League club's fans. He was featured in a game tagged the Arsenal Football Marathon held at a soccer field at the International Sports Club of Indonesia (ISCI) in south Jakarta.
The Arsenal Football Marathon sought to set a record for the longest 11-a-side soccer match in the country, which would be recorded in the Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI). The match was arranged to run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to organizing official Adrianus Bowi.
'We have 724 kids on the participant list. They come from soccer schools and Arsenal fan clubs,' he said.
He said the playing teams changed formation in 10-minute intervals, with several new players being brought on for substitution during the changeover.
Among those was Pires, who brought a lively atmosphere. Some players used the occasion to shake his hand. He showed a trace of his soccer guile that had helped Arsenal win two titles during his six-year stint between 2000 and 2006.
At changeover, after he had played for 15 minutes, he had players swamping him, followed by those from the stands, which brought the match to a halt.
They were taking positions for a group photo but match officials, assisted by security escorts, stepped in, allowing Pires to walk off the pitch.
'I enjoyed playing with them,' he said. 'I saw good talents. Maybe, you never know, one day they may play for the national team,' Pires, 41, said.
Besides holding two Premier League titles, Arsenal also won the FA Cup three times during Pires' service.
Pires was snapped up by Arsenal from Marseille. After his contract with Arsenal was not extended, he moved to Villarreal where he played for four seasons. He returned to England to play for Aston Villa before retiring. However, he left retirement in 2014 to play for FC Goa in India for three months.
'The contract is finished. It was only for three months. I'm waiting for the next event. They start in September,' he said.
When asked if he was still feeling enthusiastic to place for a club he said, 'Of course. I'm still fit.'
While he was still sorting out his future club, Arsenal offered him an opportunity to help the club reach out to its fans.
'For the players like me, we love to meet fans, especially in Indonesia [which] has a lot of fans. Arsenal for me is special. I played for six seasons and won some titles. And Arsenal gave me the opportunity [to meet fans],' he said.
Arsenal has not won a Premier League title in the past decade. This season the prospect is no better with them still outside the top four with a big gap between them and Premier League leader Chelsea.
However, Pires is confident about the club's prospects. 'The season is not finished yet. Of course, we still have the chance to win the title,' he said.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.