Pires: Arsenal players expect Vieira to go

Robert Pires has admitted he and his Arsenal teammates believe Patrick Vieira will leave the club for Real Madrid.

The French midfielder told the Sunday Herald: "His sale will leave a huge void in the middle of our side, but we can adapt to a life without his leadership."

"All the players wanted Patrick to stay. But he's made a choice and we respect that. We can all understand why he's decided to go to La Liga. I'd just wish him all the luck in the world at the Bernabeu."