Les Bleus and Arsenal FC midfielder Robert Pires is still hoping of re-claiming his position in the France squad for next year's World Cup finals in Germany, even though he last played for France a year ago.

In an interview with the French sports paper L'Equipe, the Gunners star told that all he really wants is a place in the squad for the World Cup. "I am available and I hope I will be judged on my game, that's all I'm asking," said Pires,

Pires has not been picked by France Coach Raymond Domenech, since he criticised Domenech's tactics after a 2-0 victory over Cyprus in their Europe Zone Group 4 World Cup qualifier in October 2004.

The midfielder, who will turn 32 later this month, has picked up 79 caps for France, also claiming two trophies as part of the squad that won the World Cup in 1998, and the European championship two years later.

"Playing for France is like a drug," he said, "Whether you have one cap or 79, you always want more. I want to win my 80th cap. I haven't given up hope."

France, who struggled to qualify for the World Cup Finals, play two friendlies next month, against Costa Rica for a memorial match on November the 9th in Martinique, and against Germany three days later at home in the Stade de France.

But for Pires, who knows that this will be his last opportunity to play in the World Cup Finals finished with, "That World Cup in Germany would be my last big challenge for France," he said. "I'll do everything I can to try to win a ticket."

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