Crystal Palace sign ex-Arsenal midfielder

Crystal Palace have signed former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini on a contract until the end of the season.

Flamini, 32, left the Gunners this summer having made 246 appearances over two spells and winning three FA Cups.

The Frenchman, who also won the Serie A title in 2011 during five years at AC Milan, becomes Palace's fifth permanent signing of the summer.

Flamini moved to Italy after four years with Arsenal, before a return to Emirates Stadium in 2013. Palace manager Alan Pardew said he was pleased to "have secured a player of his stature", adding:

 "His playing ability will help us but also his leadership qualities and his ability of how to win games in a passing style."

 Flamini described his new club as "very ambitious" and said the move was a "very interesting challenge".

Palace added Andros Townsend, Steve Mandanda, James Tomkins, and Christian Benteke earlier this summer, while Loic Remy arrived from Chelsea on loan.