Arsenal 'legend' Ray Parlour's autobiography to Century

Century is publishing The Romford Pelé, the autobiography of Arsenal "legend" Ray Parlour.

The book is described as a "wonderfully funny and candid" autobiography from the "down-to-earth" Essex-born football player. 

Part of the club for 12 years, from 1992 to 2004, Parlour forged his path from a trainee scrubbing boots to celebrating over 330 Premier League appearances - a club record - as well as accruing three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the UEFA Cup.

His autobiography looks back on "a golden age of the beautiful game", including memories of nights out with Tony Adams to teaching Thierry Henry cockney rhyming slang, and from playing golf with Dennis Bergkamp to trading Inspector Clouseau jokes with Arsène Wenger. 

Parlour, now a regular pundit for TalkSport and Sky Sports, said: "I gave my all in every game for Arsenal, but I also had a brilliant time with all the lads. I’ve loved going back down memory lane and I hope readers will enjoy the stories."

Ben Brusey, editorial director at Century bought world rights from the author. He said: "The Romford Pelé should become a sporting comic classic. I’ve never enjoyed a football book so much, and I promise it will leave you laughing and pining for the glory days, Arsenal fan or not." 

The Romford Pelé is due to publish in hardback and e-book on 5th May, priced £16.99.