By Andrew Kennedy
18 May 2011 18:26:00
EPL : Robert Pires , Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa (Getty Images)
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Aston Villa midfielder Robert Pires has revealed former team-mate Thierry Henry has tried to persuade him to join him in the US at the end of his contract.
The 37-year-old joined Gerard Houllier’s men in November and despite having only made 12 appearances so far for the club, he still believes he can justify a contract extension and will not bring the curtain down on his career if he does not get a new deal.
Speaking to the Express and Star, Pires said: “Thierry Henry has phoned me. He called me up and said come over and play with him in the US, but there are no real offers yet.
“I have not had talks with Villa yet about staying after July. I should know soon hopefully, I have an appointment with Gerard Houllier soon. I hope I can stay and also I hope that Gerard can stay, but it could be very complicated for him.
“I will still play football, of course, even if it is not at Villa. I’m OK here for the next season but if not I will look somewhere different because I still feel fit enough to play.
“For the moment there is nothing else, because the league is not finished. I will wait until it is finished. I am relaxed about it.”
The former Arsenal man also admitted he is yet to decide on what he will do after his career, but revealed the health of club boss Houllier may have deterred him from management.
Pires continued: “I don’t know for the moment. Coaching? Maybe but not number one because it is too hard. I’ve seen, not only with Gerard, how high the pressure can be.
“Number two or number three or working with the youngsters I would prefer to do that but not as the main manager, that is too hard.
“I haven’t done my badges yet, but maybe I will do them after my career – maybe in July if nobody wants me to play!”