Arsenal legend Robert Pires has been praised for his unique contribution to training at the club.

Pires, who was part of Arsenal's famous Invincibles side in the 2003/04 season, returned to the club in 2016 after retiring to assist with coaching the younger players.

A helping hand for injured players

Former Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson has revealed that Pires would often step in as an extra player during training drills for those returning from injury.

Jenkinson, who idolized Pires as a child, described him as a "proper Arsenal legend" and commended his skills even in a coaching capacity.

Arsenal's golden years

Pires had a successful career at Arsenal, spending six years at the club and scoring 85 goals in 284 appearances.

During his time there, he won seven major trophies, including a Premier League title and an FA Cup double in 2002.

Jenkinson's journey

As for Jenkinson, he joined Arsenal from Charlton in 2011 and stayed with the club for eight years.

Although he only scored one goal in 70 appearances and earned a single cap for England, Jenkinson fondly remembers the influence of his childhood hero, Robert Pires.

Now playing in Australia for the Newcastle Jets, Jenkinson previously had stints with Nottingham Forest and Melbourne City.