But on a fooy point of view England is more solid than Italy. Stadia are less crowded in Italy simply due to the fact that one plays football here. One can always discuss of the technical qualities of such and such championship but something always happens when you go to watch a game in England. If one day less people go to the stadium here, we' ll have too to ask questions.

To embark on great investments on new players today is very risky. Financially speaking MU are on other planet, you must accept that and accept to try to fight them with much less money. That' s an interesting and enlightening challenge.

You would be surprised at the players' motivation. They have shown they had the mentality of champions and I believe they will be again. One never grows tired of winning. They are hungry for success and wish to go further. Volz, Svard, Pennant, Noble and Aliadière are very close to first team and can make a name for themselves. Mid-october appears a reasonable date for Pires' return to action.

It is true I' d love to achieve what has never been done here, to win the Champions League with Arsenal. The best way is to play well in the Premiership and not to depend only on the CL. One team shows its real value in the championship"

For francophone Gooners, full interview was published in France Football dated Aug. 16.