Former Arsenal, France midfielder Robert Pires retires from football

Robert Pires looks on during an Arsenal training session at London Colney on September 30, 2013
© Getty Images
Former Arsenal and France midfielder Robert Pires announces his retirement from football at the age of 42.

Former Arsenal and France midfielder Robert Pires has announced that he has officially retired from football.

Pires, who has opted to hang up his boots at the age of 42, played for six clubs during a 22-year career in the sport.

The Frenchman played for Metz and Marseille before joining Arsenal, where he won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during a six-year spell with the North London outfit.

After leaving the Gunners in 2006, Pires spent four years at Spanish side Villarreal and then short stints at Aston Villa and Indian outfit FC Goa.

On the international stage, the midfielder helped France win the 1998 World Cup, as well as the 2000 European Championship and two Confederations Cups.

"I'm 42 years old so some time must stop," Pires told beIN Sports. "We must say stop and above all must give way to young. My last experience was in India."

Pires is the final player from France's World Cup-winning squad to retire.

Victor Wanyama of Southampton is chased by Morgan Schneiderlin of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Southampton, United Kingdom.
Read Next:
Pires wants Wanyama at Arsenal
>
Related Video
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leicester CityLeicester31199354312366
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs311710456243261
3Arsenal30167748301855
4Manchester CityMan City30156952322051
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham301311647351250
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd30148838271150
7Southampton31138104132947
8Stoke CityStoke31137113437-346
9Liverpool2912894540544
10Chelsea30101194541441
11West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom30109113037-739
12Everton29911951411038
13Bournemouth31108133850-1238
14Watford30107133032-237
15Swansea CitySwansea3199133140-936
16Crystal Palace3096153240-833
17Norwich CityNorwich3177173254-2228
18Sunderland3068163655-1926
19Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3067172955-2625
20Aston Villa3137212258-3616