Striker is starstruck by Robert Pires
Thursday 25th November 2010, 1:03PM GMT.
Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor admits he will be star-stuck when he lines up with Robert Pires against the Frenchman’s former club Arsenal.
Pires is sure to feature against Arsenal at some stage in Saturday’s lunchtime clash and the 24-year-old is excited at the prospect of teaming up with one of the Premier League’s illustrious figures.
Agbonlahor said: “I remembering watching Arsenal as a kid growing up – the Invincibles era – so it will be great to line up with him, knowing what he has achieved in his career.
“He will get a lot of respect from the lads too. He won’t be as quick as he was a few years ago but he’ll still have that eye for goal and that eye for a pass which will cause problems for opposition defences.
“That quality never leaves you. He will bring a lot to the side.
“Our younger squad will benefit.”
Pires has been recruited to provide guidance both on and off the pitch to a Villa team having to rely on their young home-grown players because of injuries.
And Agbonlahor is fully behind the signing of the 37-year-old.
He added: “Everyone is still shocked that Robert has joined Villa. He is a player of immense quality.
“It will be a pleasure to train with him, never mind play with him.”
UK Sport
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