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Pictures: Robert Pires visits Far East

Robert Pires in Jakarta
Robert Pires in Jakarta

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has received an incredible welcome from the Club's loyal supporters in Indonesia and China in recent days.

The first stop on the former France international's tour of the Far East was Jakarta, where he flew in to promote the Club's tour game in Indonesia this summer. Robert arrived with the trophy the Club received for the 'Invincibles' season of 2003/04 and was met by 250 passionate fans at the airport.

Robert made an appearance on a national TV breakfast entertainment show with more than three million viewers, then met with the Sports Minister to promote our game in Jakarta and present him with a signed shirt. Following this, he met with the Mayor of Jakarta, had a Q&A session with the Indonesian Supporters' Club and held a coaching session with a soccer school in the National Stadium.

The next stop on Robert's visit was Beijing, where he landed on Friday morning as part of Arsenal’s commitment to its supporters in China. He will join fans as Salsa Caribe for a welcome party, before flying to Guangzhou for a pre-match party with supporters on Sunday, hours before the Gunners take on Tottenham.

“Arsenal will always be a home for my heart, and Arsenal fans are the best there are,” said Robert. “I know that the Club has great support in China  and I am very excited to meet Gooners on this side of the world, and see for myself how Arsenal has truly become a global presence.”