Pires wants another year at Villa

Robert Pires has revealed his intention to continue his playing career for another year - and hopes it can be in a Villa shirt.

The 37-year-old midfielder has only made 12 appearances for the claret and blues since he joined on a free transfer last November but believes he still has something to offer.

Pires said: "I have not had talks with Villa yet about staying after July.

"I should know soon hopefully, I have an appointment with Gerard Houllier soon. I hope I can stay and also I hope that Gerard can stay, but it could be very complicated for him.

"I will still play football, of course, even if it is not at Villa. I'm ok here for the next season but if not I will look somewhere different because I still feel fit enough to play.

"Thierry Henry has phoned me. He called me up and said come over and play with him in the US, but there are no real offers yet.

"For the moment there is nothing else, because the league is not finished. I will wait until it is finished. I am relaxed about it."

Pires also admitted that despite his age he has not thought about seriously about life after football.

He said: "I don't know for the moment. Coaching? Maybe but not number one because it is too hard. I've seen, not only with Gerard, how high the pressure can be.

"Number two or number three or working with the youngsters I would prefer to do that but not as the main manager, that is too hard.

"I haven't done my badges yet, but maybe I will do them after my career - maybe in July if nobody wants me to play!"