BIG PETE: Pirès on the difficult decision to retire and life after football

Robert Pirès shared his thoughts on the tough moment when a pro footballer must confront the conclusion of their playing days and begin searching for a fresh purpose. “Everyone knows retirement is coming eventually, yet preparation is rare. All at once, there is no team, no deal, and no squad involvement. I was fortunate to compete for nineteen years across France, England, Spain, plus the international side. Truthfully, post career options were a mystery to me. Folks suggested I might suit a role as a television analyst, discussing the game and drawing on my background. Ultimately, I chose to attempt it, and from 2012 onward, media work has been my path. This has allowed me to remain connected to the sport,” he explained.

The iconic Frenchman further reflected on his enduring passion for the game beyond his playing era. “Football is something I yearn for still. The rush, that sensation of gracing the field, triumphing in key fixtures, and contributing to a greater cause, all irreplaceable. My affection for it persists. These days, I kick about with mates casually. Without the stakes, defeats hold no weight, yet the pleasure endures. That essence is timeless.”

The complete televised edition of this Big Pete documentary instalment can be viewed on CANAL+ Sport along with the CANAL+ streaming platform across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Poland, Myanmar, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Romania, and Hungary, plus SuperSport in South Africa and Switzerland.