Arsenal’s Ray: Let mega-rich stars help dementia victims
FORMER England ace Ray Parlour has backed calls for rich stars to give a slice of their salaries to help “forgotten” ex-players suffering from dementia.
The Arsenal legend, 44, said yesterday: “If I was a player for Arsenal now, earning what they earn today, I would want to help.”
He said he would happily give half a per cent or 1%, adding: “I’d be thinking, ‘I might be in that situation’. Lots of players would do that. It would make a heck of a difference.” He spoke out after the Mirror revealed that loyal fans had rallied round to pay for care for former stars like Stan Bowles and the late Spurs ace Peter Baker. Gordon Taylor, of the Professional Footballers’ Association, said: “Football can always do more” but pledged no further help for players with dementia – linked to heading the heavy footballs of the 60s and 70s.