I was an Arsenal Invincible – but after retiring I set up a successful fruit and veg business.
My name is Ray Parlour and I was a professional footballer for Arsenal Football Club from 1992 to 2004. During my time at Arsenal, I was part of the famous ‘Invincibles’ team that went an entire season unbeaten in 2003/04. It was an incredible achievement and one that I am very proud of.
After retiring from football, I decided to pursue a different career path and set up my own business. I had always been interested in the food industry and so I decided to open a fruit and vegetable shop in my hometown of Romford, Essex.
The business was a success from the start and I quickly built up a loyal customer base. I was able to source the freshest produce from local suppliers and I was passionate about providing the best quality produce to my customers.
I also made sure that my shop was a friendly and welcoming place for customers to visit. I was always on hand to offer advice and tips on how to prepare and cook the produce. I also ran regular promotions and discounts to encourage customers to come back.
My business has gone from strength to strength over the years and I now have two shops in Romford and one in nearby Brentwood. I am proud to have created a successful business that provides customers with fresh, quality produce.
I am also proud of my football career and the part I played in the Invincibles team. It was an incredible achievement and one that I will never forget. I am now enjoying my new career and I am looking forward to the future.