Arsene Wenger still has fire in his belly, says ex-Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires.

Arsenal great Robert Pires believes that Arsene Wenger will remain as the club's manager beyond next season because of his love for football.

The French tactician has come under intense scrutiny recently over the club’s failure to challenge for the Premier League title with pundits and a section of fans calling for his ouster.

However, Pires, who played under Wenger between 2000 and 2006, says that his former manager's passion for the game keeps him going and expects him to honor the three year deal he signed last summer.

Pires told RMC:"It's not a question of strength. He's not tired. He still has that desire to be on the pitch, because he loves it, it's his vocation, he's been doing it for many years.

 "His aim is to qualify for the Champions League, which I think will happen, and what is certain is that you will see him on the bench again next year."

Wenger has been in charge of the North London outfit for the last 18-years.