Wenger froze me out, says angry Aliadiere

Jeremie Aliadiere has accused Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger of picking players on the size of their transfer fee and not their ability.

Aliadiere has just completed a £2million move to Middlesbrough having grown fed up of being left out of the first team.

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His attack comes at a time when there is increasing speculation over Wenger's future due to vice-chairman David Dein's sacking from the board.

Captain Thierry Henry is also being strongly linked with a move to Barcelona and Aliadiere is delighted to have left Emirates Stadium.

He joined Arsenal in 1999 but Wenger started the French striker only seven times in the Premiership. Although last season was his best at the club, having made 23 appearances in all competitions, he feels he is much better off at the Riverside.

He said: "Last season was a shock because I played a few matches and scored a few goals, but from one day to another I wasn't used any more. That is why I wanted to leave. Anyway I would never have been a starter for Arsenal under Wenger.

"For example Jose Reyes or Robin van Persie haven't been great at the beginning but have played. I had a lower salary whereas they had been bought for a lot of money. That made it easier to put me on the bench.

"It is true that I am disappointed because I think I could have succeeded with Arsenal. Cest la vie. But I was at Arsenal for eight years so I am happy to start from new. I am relieved and happy because I felt like I was never going to leave Arsenal.

"I can't wait to start training again on 2 July and to see what will happen. After all those years on the bench, I only want to play.

"I'm as motivated as ever to attack with Boro, to have a great season and to show everybody and most of all to Wenger that he has missed something."

Aliadiere has signed a four-year deal at the Riverside Stadium, but still hopes that his former team-mates have a more successful campaign this time around having gone two seasons without a trophy.

The 24-year-old added: "I have a lot of friends at Arsenal. Just because I'm leaving them it doesn't mean I will forget them. I wish them the best season possible.

"My career is beginning. I have joined a new club and the coach [Gareth Southgate] recognises my talent and will trust me. Now everything depends on me, the cards are in my hands."