Arsenal legend Robert Pires has announced the birth of his fourth child at the age of 53. The former France international shared the news with his followers on Instagram on Saturday, revealing that he and his new partner had welcomed a baby girl named Olivia.

Pires posted a touching black-and-white photograph of himself holding his newborn daughter's hand, alongside the caption: "Olivia Pires 31/10/2026. Welcome my baby girl."

He followed it up with another monochrome image showing his partner, whose identity has not been made public, cradling her pregnant bump while sitting in front of him. A third photograph showed Pires leaving hospital with Olivia secured in a baby carrier.

The announcement comes two years after Pires ended his relationship with French model Jessica Lemarie. The couple had been together for 21 years and married for 11, before going their separate ways.

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They have three children together, including 19-year-old Theo, who has followed in his father's footsteps by pursuing a career in professional football. The teenager is a former youth captain at Arsenal and currently plays for Metz - the club where his father began his professional career.

Pires was previously married to his first wife, Nathalie, for six years. The pair met during his time at Metz before divorcing in 2003, while the midfielder was playing for Arsenal. They did not have any children together.

A host of Pires' former team-mates and footballing colleagues were quick to congratulate him following the announcement.

Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva responded with three heart emojis, while ex-Chelsea and Gunners goalkeeper Petr Cech wrote: "Congratulations, Robert!" Sol Campbell also sent his best wishes, commenting: "Love and happiness!"

Other former professionals to share their congratulations included Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, Franck Ribery and ex-Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue.

Pires enjoyed a hugely successful six-year spell at Arsenal after arriving from Marseille in 2000. He made 284 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 84 goals and helping them secure two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.

The Frenchman was also a key member of Arsene Wenger's legendary Invincibles side, which went through the entire 2003/04 Premier League campaign without suffering defeat. He formed a formidable attacking partnership with the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp during his time in north London.

His final appearance for Arsenal came in the 2006 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, after which he moved to Spanish side Villarreal.

Pires returned to English football in 2010, joining Aston Villa, but his time at Villa Park proved brief. He made just nine Premier League appearances during a single season with the club. He officially retired in 2016, having enjoyed a final playing spell with Indian Super League side Goa in 2014.