France must get Arsene Wenger as manager, says Robert Pires

Robert Pires has told the French FA to spend whatever it takes to secure Arsene Wenger as their national coach.

Current France boss Raymond Domenech's job is on a knife-edge following the team's Euro 2008 disaster and poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

And former Arsenal star Pires, who now plays in Spain for Villarreal, believes Gunners chief Wenger would be the ideal replacement.

Wenger, 58, has two years left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.

He is Arsenal's most successful manager of all time, having first taken charge in 1996.

The 34-year-old Pires spent six successful seasons under Wenger, winning two Premiership titles, two FA Cups and the 2002 Footballer of the Year award.

Pires said: "Arsene Wenger is a gentleman, and his qualities would have a positive effect on the French national side.

"He is a class act. Of course, as he is Arsenal's manager he is not free right now - but you never know what could happen.

"If money is made available by the French FA, then anything is possible.

"The key is knowing whether he has the desire to leave London. Right now I am very worried about what the future holds for the France side."

"I don't want Domenech to stay on in the job. But I would be happy to see someone like Gerard Houllier get the job if it does not go to Wenger."

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