Arsenal ace Pires denies Vieira exit claim

Robert Pires has denied telling a Sunday newspaper that he expected Arsenal teammate Patrick Vieira to join Real Madrid.

Pires said: "I have never said a word about Patrick's situation - I have too much respect for him to give an opinion."

"How could I wish Patrick good luck in Madrid when I saw him at the training ground this morning?"

"As far as I know Patrick hasn't signed for Real Madrid."

"I really hope, as do all my team-mates, that he stays at Arsenal."