Parlour opts for Middlesbrough
Friday, July 23, 2004
Article summary
Middlesbrough FC have signed former England midfield player Ray Parlour on a free transfer from Arsenal FC.
Article body
Fourth signing
Parlour, 31, has signed a three-year contract and is Middlesbrough's fourth new face of the summer after Michael Reiziger, Mark Viduka and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren is preparing for the club's first season in Europe, after they won the English League Cup last season.
Ambitious
Parlour said: "I thought about it strongly. They have bought in fantastic players this year and the squad has got a very good chance. I am sure we are good enough to challenge for honours."
History of success
The former England international struggled with injury last season and made just 16 starts as Arsenal stormed to the Premiership title. He has spent all 12 seasons of his professional career at Highbury, winning medals in the Premiership, FA Cup, League Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup during that time.
Pre-season wins
Middlesbrough began their pre-season campaign on Wednesday night, Viduka scoring his first goal with a penalty in a 2-2 draw away to Rotherham United FC, while a second Middlesbrough side thrashed York City FC 6-1, Szilard Nemeth scoring a hat-trick and Massimo Maccarone hitting two more against the Conference side.
