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Double ambition Vieira will stay if Arsenal wins league, cup -- PiresPosted: Friday May 03, 2002 9:48 AMUpdated: Friday May 03, 2002 10:10 AM LONDON (AP) -- Arsenal's Robert Pires expects French teammate Patrick Vieira to stay with the Gunners if they complete the league-FA Cup double. Pires said Vieira was likely to reject approaches from other European clubs and stay in north London. "If we win the double again, that would be the second time Patrick's won it and that could well be what helps us keep him next season," said Pires, who accepted the English Football Writers' player of the year award Thursday. "Every summer it is said that he is going to leave and go to Spain ... but every year he stays. I hope he stays at Arsenal because even he says he loves the club and loves life in London. He's a very old friend and it's good to be playing in the same team as him." Pires underwent right knee surgery last week and will miss France's World Cup defense. Pires said he would like to lengthen his contract with Arsenal, which ends after the 2003-2004 season. "I've still got two years left on my contract at Arsenal -- and I hope I can stay here for longer than that." Petit faces old friend and French teammate VieiraLONDON (AP) -- Four years ago, Emmanuel Petit helped Arsenal win the double. In Saturday's FA Cup final, he'll be trying to stop the Gunners from repeating that feat. Petit, a French World Cup and European Cup winner, will line up for Chelsea at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. With Arsenal needing just a point to win the league title, only the Blues can stop another Gunners double. Petit left Arsenal, where he spent three years, for Barcelona after the 1998 season, but returned to London to join Chelsea last June. "It is going to be a big game for both clubs and for me as well," Petit said. "I am really pleased for the fans because they deserve a day like this in the cup final. "There has never been any animosity between me and the Arsenal fans. They know they have a special place in my heart." The 31-year-old midfielder will also play against his good friend and countryman Patrick Vieira. Petit and Vieira, first choice for the French midfield, forged their partnership at Arsenal and have remained close. "Playing against my good friend won't be a problem," Petit said. "Before 3 p.m. on Saturday, Patrick will be my friend and after the final whistle he will be too. But during the game? I will be doing my best to beat him and bring the FA Cup back to Chelsea." Petit could have been a Gunner this season, but turned down the offer of Arsenal manager, fellow Frenchman Arsene Wenger, to return to Highbury. "The approach by Chelsea was quick and determined," Petit said. "I had discussions with Arsene Wenger about coming back to Arsenal. But I decided it was not a good move to go back to the club where I had achieved great things." Chelsea missed out on a Champions League place to Newcastle and is in fifth position with two matches left of the season. Victory in the FA Cup, likely to be fought out in midfield, would salvage the season. "It should be a great match," Petit said. "I am a winner and so is Patrick. That should make it interesting in midfield. It is a major trophy and it was a fantastic feeling for me when I won it with Arsenal in 1998. I realized how special it was. "Now I have the chance to win it again and I want to do that." Vieira is equally as motivated. "Manu (Petit) is a great professional and a great friend," he said. "But in the FA Cup final, there is only one team I want to win and Manu is in the opposition." Arsenal is the favorite with British bookmakers to win. The Gunners are rated as 4-7 with William Hill, with Chelsea 5-4. Arsenal is 8-13 to win the double after starting the season at 25-1. Arsenal has won the FA Cup seven times, the last time in 1998, while Chelsea is looking for its fourth win. The Blues last lifted the trophy in 2000.
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