Former Arsenal star Robert Pires has joined Aston Villa until the end of the season.
The 37-year-old, who won two Premier League titles during his stint with the Gunners, had been without a club since being released by Spanish side Villarreal in the summer.
Pires has been training with his old employers in a bid to maintain his fitness, and as a result he could be thrust straight into first-team action when Villa visit Blackburn on Sunday.
The 2002 Footballer of the Year told Sky Sports News: “For me, it is a good opportunity to work with Aston Villa. I am happy for the fans. I hope to play against Blackburn on Sunday.”
Assistant manager Gary McAllister added: “He’s a proven winner. It gets thrown around a lot these days when people say they are a winner but he is a genuine article.
“He’s a European champion and he has won the World Cup as well. He has vast experience and was a fantastic player in the Premier League for Arsenal.
“People thought he was coming to the end of his career but he went to Villarreal and done well there for several seasons.
“For all the younger players – what a tremendous addition. The younger players can only learn from watching a guy like Robert on the training field.”