Pires knows Villarreal fans want revenge

ROBERT PIRES insists the Villarreal players have put 2006 out of their minds as they prepare for tonight's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal.

Three years ago, the Gunners went to El Madrigal and successfully defended a 1-0 lead from the first leg to reach the Champions League final after Jens Lehmann saved a dramatic late penalty.

Pires was a member of that Arsenal side – who were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in the final and the Frenchman's last match for the Gunners – but will be in the home team's ranks tonight.

"On the part of the players there is no thoughts of revenge, we simply want to be in the semi-finals, but I'm sure that fans have not forgotten and they will probably want us to avenge that loss," he said.