Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires believes that Arsene Wenger will remain as the club's manager next season because of his love for football.

Questions have been raised over the Frenchman's future due to Arsenal's failure to challenge for the Premier League in recent seasons, although he did sign a new three-year deal last summer.

Pires, who played under Wenger between 2000 and 2006, says that his former manager's passion for the game keeps him going.

"It's not a question of strength. He's not tired. He still has that desire to be on the pitch, because he loves it, it's his vocation, he's been doing it for many years," Pires told RMC.

"His aim is to qualify for the Champions League, which I think will happen, and what is certain is that you will see him on the bench again next year."

Wenger has been in charge of the North Londoners since 1996.

Written by
Steven Toplis