The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce won’t be putting this story in its promotional material.

After weeks of courtship, former French national-team midfielder has declined the Philadelphia Union’s offer to become the club’s Designated

Player.

And he was rather blunt about his reasons.

“[Philadelphia] is not very appealing to me,” Pires was quoted old French newspaper L’Equipe. “I don’t want to be difficult, but if I’m leaving to take my family far away, I prefer that it’s in a beautiful city.”

No word on how Pires feels about the Flyers, Kate Smith, cheesesteaks or Rocky movies.

And he admitted that he’s jealous that his former Arsenal teammate, Thierry Henry, is getting the chance to go to New York, while he would have to settle for, gag, Philly.

“I hope for him that he can go out there,” Pires said of the Henry-to-New-York rumours. “Now that’s a beautiful city.”

Maybe Pires saw footage of how courteous and friendly Philadelphia sports fans tend to be.

Pires hasn’t ruled out MLS or a move to any other team. He just doesn’t want Philadelphia. He had been playing at Spanish side Villarreal.