Parlour explains Gunners exit

Ray Parlour has explained his motivations for leaving Arsenal this summer.

The 31-year-old, who joined The Gunners as a trainee, decided to cut his ties with Highbury in order to try and secure regular first-team football.

Parlour, who should line up against his former employers on Sunday, conceded it had been a difficult decision to turn his back on The North Londoners but feels it was the right choice for his career.

"I had one year left on my Arsenal contract," Parlour stated.

"After a lot of soul searching I came to the decision that this was the best thing for me if I wanted to prolong my Premiership career.

"I looked at the training facilities at Middlesbrough and, like Arsenal's, they are fantastic.

"Then I looked at the players 'Boro had signed in the summer and the fact they were going to be playing European football for the first time.

"When you put it all together it's clear that this is a club who are on the up and buzzing.

"You get to the age when you just want to play week in week out.

"It's alright being a kid on the bench but I want all the action I can get."