Wenger: 'Ray has been a hero for the football club'

- Ray Parlour -

By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger has said a reluctant farewell to Ray Parlour after the long-serving midfielder agreed to join Middlesbrough today.

The 31-year-old rose through the ranks at Highbury and, apart from the 10 times he played for England, the Romford-born star has not worn another shirt during his professional career.

After making his debut at Liverpool in January 1992, he went on to score 32 times in 390 starts and came off the bench on a further 76 occasions.

"Ray is a big loss and we wish him good luck," said Wenger. "He has been a hero for the football club and it is a sad day for us.

"He was in a special situation and we had to give him the opportunity to get a three-year contract with someone.

"Unfortunately for us he has made a good decision. But he has played 14 years for Arsenal so he could not turn down the opportunity to have two more years playing than he could have had here.

"I’d like to thank him for what he has done for us and wish him well."

呵呵，我来翻译一下。