Vieira and Pires continue commitment to Arsenal
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Your support makes all the difference.The Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, yesterday made his two most important signings of the summer as he attempted to upstage Sir Alex Ferguson.
On a day when Manchester United unveiled Kleberson and Cristiano Ronaldo for a combined £18m, Arsenal finally confirmed that their captain, Patrick Vieira, and the winger Robert Pires have signed new long-term contracts.
After the speculation regarding Vieira, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as well as Real Madrid and Juventus, the 27-year-old is to remain at Highbury until 2007. It is believed Arsenal have broken their fairly strict wage structure to keep Vieira at the club, with the France international midfielder apparently being paid around £70,000 per week.
His French compatriot, Pires, has penned a deal which keeps him at the club until the summer of 2006, with both players seemingly following the lead taken by Thierry Henry earlier this summer.
Although he was certain that Vieira would stay, Wenger's relief was evident when he said: "As I have said before, I never had any doubts that both Patrick and Robert would sign new contracts with the club. However, I'm so delighted that we have finally confirmed their signings. They are both very important players who will be instrumental in achieving our goal of winning more trophies this season and in years to come."
Vieira and Pires are adamant that their chances of adding to their burgeoning medal collection remain undiminished despite the club's lack of new faces this summer.
"As I've always said, I'm very happy here at Arsenal and it's always been my intention to sign a new contract with the club," Vieira said. "I'm really confident about this season as we have a great squad here, with great team spirit and fantastic talent. I really believe we'll go from strength to strength. It's also fantastic news that Robert has agreed a new deal, as he's also a really important player for the club."
Pires said: "I am so happy to have signed a new contract with Arsenal. What's more, I am pleased with the way it's all happened and also the fact that Arsenal want to keep me is a great sign of recognition for me personally.
"I love being a part of this club. I have a great relationship with the boss, the players and all the supporters, so I'm very pleased to be continuing my time here.
"It's my personal goal to continue to win trophies in England and also win the Champions' League, which is, of course, one of the club's objectives. Arsenal have great ambition and that's why I'm so glad to be staying here."
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