Robert Pires brands time at Aston Villa ‘a failure’ and accuses Gary McAllister of ‘a lack of respect’

EPL : Robert Pires , Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa (Getty Images)

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Robert Pires has accused the Aston Villa hierarchy of showing him “a lack of respect” and admits he is disappointed by his lack of first-team action.

The Frenchman only started in two home fixtures – against Blackburn and former club Arsenal – last year, and was used a further seven times as a substitute having made the move from La Liga outfit Villarreal, where he was a key contributor.

The winger was not used in Villa’s recent victory at the Emirates Stadium and believes Gary McAllister’s decision not to bring him on was an act of disrespect.

He told The Mirror: “I was very happy to be able to sign a new contract with an English club, even more so at Aston Villa with Gerard Houllier.

“But 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 penultimate match, at the Emirates against Arsenal, we were winning 2-0 and I thought 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. I would not like to end that way and so will play into a 20th season. But if at the end of the summer I have no offer I will stop.”