Arsenal Transfers: 10 Greatest Ever Foreign Players

3. Robert Pires (France. 2000 - 2006. 284 Appearances, 84 Goals.) Having enjoyed a phenomenal two years with his national side (winning the 1998 World Cup and then going on to clinch the European Championships two years later) Robert Pires joined Arsenal from French club Metz in the summer of 2000. After a tough initial start to life in England, he eventually settled in the side and went on to become one of Arsenal's greatest ever players. Adopting a quite unique running method (appearing almost crouched over at times), he set the Premier League alight with some outstanding performances over his six year stay. Deceiving defenders with his quick feet and incisive passing, he could cut through teams with ease and was also known for scoring unbelievable goals (His lob over Peter Schmeichel at Villa Park and his 30 yard curling screamer at Anfield come to mind). He also claimed the full admiration of the Arsenal fans thanks to his impressive goal record against bitter rivals Spurs. During the course of his time in North London, Pires developed a deadly partnership on the left flank with Ashley Cole and especially with Thierry Henry, each overlapping and creating opportunities from nowhere, usually resulting in goals. He won two league titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal, scoring in the 2003 cup final win over Southampton and becoming a fundamental asset in the invincible team of 2003/2004. Unfortunately for Robert, his Arsenal career ended in disappointment, being sacrificed twelve minutes into the 2006 Champions League final in Paris after Jens Lehmann's red card, with Arsenal going on to lose 2-1 to Barcelona.