Robert Pires admits he is not perturbed by the lack of English players in the Arsenal side.
The Gunners have advanced to the UEFA Champions League final with a team heavily influenced by overseas players.
Only Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell are established English members of the Arsenal squad, but the pair have been injured for large spells this season.
The situation does not worry Pires, though, and the Frenchman believes a Gallic influence is now prevalent within the Highbury ranks.
"We have had a great Champions League run, but it is fair to say Arsenal is a French team," Pires is quoted in the News of the World.
"As soon as we reached the semi-finals, it was like having a France side there.
"I know people say there are not enough English players in our team, but that's of little importance to me.
"I can see some people worrying about it, but not me.
"When I signed in the summer of 2000, there were lots of English players in the squad, but these days there are only two who play regularly in the first team - Ashley and Campbell.
"Arsenal have had a French identity for some time now. French is the language we speak in the changing room, more so than English."
Pires is confident that the Arsenal fans are not concerned by the dearth of Englishmen in Arsene Wenger's squad and insists it is what happens on the pitch that counts.
He added: "Us French guys are proud to represent our country through Arsenal.
"It's important for us and we like the fact we have contributed so much to the club's success.
"Arsenal fans have got used to the situation and don't care about the nationality of the team.
"It's what happens on the field that is most important to them. However, other people see it is an issue."
stellazio
if ashley cole leaves..you'll know the reason why..
Patrik
Arsenal-France Liverpool-Spain Man u-??? Chelsea-??? Hahahaa
alwaysdisturbed
Originally posted by Patrik:
Arsenal-France Liverpool-Spain Man u-??? Chelsea-??? Hahahaa