BARRY SURPRISING
Former England star Gareth Barry, 43, comes out of retirement four years after hanging up his boots
His Prem record is under threat this season
GARETH BARRY has come out of retirement to play non-league football.
Barry's Premier League career stretched over 20 years playing for Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton and West Brom.
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He won the title with City in 2012 and earned 53 England caps, scoring three goals.
Barry announced his retirement in 2020 during his time at West Brom - but he will now drop down the levels.
That is because the 43-year-old has signed for Mid Sussex side Hurstpierpoint.
A social media post read: "We are beyond delighted to announce that former England international and all-time Premier League record appearance holder, Gareth Barry, has signed for Hurstpierpoint Football Club.
"Gareth has a long-standing association with the village through his good friend, and our Coach, Michael Standing; so it seemed an obvious move to get him involved with the football club.
"His quality in training has been unreal, so we’re all very excited to see him pull on the shirt and grace the Fairfield turf later on this season. Welcome to Hurstpierpoint, Gareth."
Hurstpierpoint, established in 1886, play in the 11th tier of English football.
Mr Reliable, Barry, holds the record for most Premier League appearances with 653 overall.
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Most Prem appearances
- Gareth Barry, 653
- James Milner, 634
- Ryan Giggs, 632
- Frank Lampard, 609
- David James, 572
- Gary Speed, 535
- Emile Heskey, 516
- Mark Schwarzer, 514
- Jamie Carragher, 508
- Phil Neville, 505
But his throne is under threat with James Milner trailing behind by 19 with 634 ahead of the new season.
Milner, 38, played 15 times for Brighton in the league last season and was rewarded with a one-year contract extension.
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