My Career: Ray Parlour

Ray Parlour made more than 460 appearances for Arsenal in his 12 years with the club and won a host of trophies both domestically and in Europe.

The tenacious midfielder’s medal haul includes three Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, one League Cup and one for the now defunct continental Cup Winners’ Cup.

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They are fine achievements for Parlour, who famously hails from Romford, having joined Arsenal as a boy and his stunning goal in the 2002 FA Cup final is a particular highlight.

Not only that but it can sometimes be forgotten Parlour was also a member of Arsenal’s famous Invincibles, who went 49 league games unbeaten through the 2003/04 season and beyond.

The former England international would leave Arsenal at the end of that 2003/04 campaign and he went on to play for Middlesbrough and Hull City before retiring.

But it is his time with the Gunners for which Parlour is most fondly remembered and, speaking on behalf of Brother UK, he talks us through the highs and lows of his playing days.

FINEST HOUR - CAPTAINING ARSENAL AT THE SAN SIRO

“It is quite a hard choice. It is a really special day when you make your debut for your club, because you work really hard as a kid. Putting the England shirt on, playing for your country, is another very special moment. Also, being a member of Arsenal’s Invincibles squad was another amazing moment.

“But if I had to pick my proudest moment it would be when I skippered the side at Inter Milan and we won 5-1. It was an unbelievable night, because they had beaten us 3-0 at Highbury and we went to Italy and did not think we had much of a chance. It was a real buzz to lead the team out at the San Siro and then to win.”

FAVOURITE GOAL – ARSENAL 2 CHELSEA 0, FA CUP FINAL, 2002

“It was a weird season, because the FA Cup final was on a Saturday and then we went to Manchester United on the Wednesday to win the Premier League for the Double. On the day of the final itself, it was about the 70th minute, it was 0-0 and it was whoever scored the first goal would win the game.

“One of my other favourites was against Valencia in the Champions League at Highbury in 2001. It was a special goal. I also scored two hat-tricks in my career. As a midfielder, I was not really known for scoring goals and so that was unbelievable.”

MOST TALENTED TEAM-MATE – DENNIS BERGKAMP

"There are only two players it could be; Dennis Bergkamp or Thierry Henry. It is so close and 50 per cent of players would say Bergkamp and 50% would say Henry. I think Bergkamp was just ahead of Henry.

“Henry was fantastic but Dennis arrived in English football slightly earlier and changed the aspect of the game; the way he trained and the way he worked hard. Dennis was also great fun. He was a real character. He was not one of those players who would go out every night like we used to in the old days but he was good fun and we would play golf every week.”

MOST DIFFICULT OPPONENT – STUART PEARCE & ROY KEANE

“The hardest player without a doubt was Stuart Pearce. When I played right midfield and he played left-back, he was hard as nails. You knew about the tackles with Stuart Pearce; you would end up in the stands. You would try and kick him back a little bit harder and he would say, ‘Is that all you’ve got, son?’. I would think, ‘Ohhh no!’ and know I was in for a tough day!

“Also, Roy Keane was perhaps not the most talented opponent but he brought the most to his team. Patrick Vieira had a lot of spats with him but I also played midfield. At that time in our careers, it was Arsenal and Manchester United competing for the Premier League.”

FOOTBALL HEARTBREAK – LOSING FINALS

“If you get to any major final and you lose, it is always terrible. We at Arsenal lost the 1995 Cup Winners Cup final to Real Zaragoza and Nayim’s goal, the 2000 UEFA Cup final to Galatasaray and also the 2001 FA Cup final to Liverpool. You are gutted. I was even distraught for weeks when we lost the 1999 FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United and Ryan Giggs scored that wonder goal. It also breaks your heart when you have to retire.”

FOOTBALL HERO - BRYAN ROBSON

“As a kid, my dad was a big West Ham United fan so my first live game was watching at Upton Park. But, growing up as a midfielder, I always admired Bryan Robson. He was the complete midfielder; he could tackle and score goals. He was box-to-box and different class. I looked up to him and targeted being like him. He was my biggest idol.”

Ray Parlour was speaking on behalf of Brother UK, the leading information, communications and technology brand. Brother UK has been helping businesses work smarter for over 50 years. For more information, visit brother.co.uk