Aliadiere left Arsenal for Middlesbrough in the summer of 2007

Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere admitted it was a great feeling to score against his old club Arsenal.

The Frenchman marked his return from suspension with a goal in the 1-1 draw on Saturday on his first return since leaving the Gunners in the summer.

"We've worked hard today and I was happy to score here," the 24-year-old told BBC Tees.

"It was the first time I was back at the Emirates Stadium and it was nice to get on the scoresheet."

Interview: Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere

There were plenty of appeals for offside within the ground as the ball was stroked into the net and Aliadiere admitted he was unsure whether the goal would count himself.

You put the ball in the net and worry if you were offside after you've scored Jeremie Aliadiere

"I was concentrating on the ball. I thought we were offside and when I saw we weren't I just thought about getting in the box," he smiled.

"Tuncay gave me a great ball, not easy to finish but I was really focused on it.

"In those situations you put the ball in the net and worry if you were offside afterwards."