Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has told talkSPORT how he was remarkably ‘devastated’ and not delighted after scoring his first ever goal for the Gunners.
The midfielder netted the first goal of his Arsenal career against Wimbledon in 1992, during the first of his 13 seasons with the north London club.
After being given a more attacking role by manager George Graham, the Romford Pele scored inside the first minute to help his side to a 3-1 victory.
But Parlour has revealed how his brother ruined his big day – because he was too late to the bookies!
Speaking on Monday’s Sports Breakfast, the Gunners’ fan favourite said: “George Graham told me before a game I was going to play in behind the forward, so I told my brother to put a bet on me being first goalscorer.
“In those days you could have a bet on yourself so I backed myself – well, I thought I did – I was 33/1 and I scored quite early. Get in there!
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“But I went to see my dad and brother in the players’ lounge after the game and asked my brother, ‘You got my money, Jim? Did you get the bet on?’
“He got there six minutes late! I scored after two minutes and we were 2-0 up when he turned up.
“I scored my first goal but I was devastated – that was like a week’s wages for me, I was on about £300-a-week back then.
“I actually think he did it and bought his cab instead with the money!”
