Robert Pires blasts Villa as a 'failure'

Robert Pires has accused Villa of showing him a "lack of respect" during a spell at the club he concedes has been a "failure."

Robert Pires has accused Villa of showing him a "lack of respect" during a spell at the club he concedes has been a "failure."

The 37-year-old joined Villa on a six-month contract in November after leaving Spanish club Villarreal, making nine appearances for the club last season, including two Premier League starts.

Pires said: "When I look back, I am extremely disappointed. I knew I wasn't going to be a guaranteed starter but I would have liked to have been used a bit more.

"During the match at Arsenal, we were winning 2-0 and I thought Gary McAllister was going to put me on. It was at that moment I said to myself there was a lack of respect.

"My experience at Villa has been a failure."