New Delhi: The ex-Premier League star Gareth Barry has staged a comeback four years after announcing his retirement from professional football. The former Manchester City star made a U-turn and signed for 12th-tier English club Hurstpierpoint, and now he will play in the second tier of the Mid Sussex Football League.
Gareth Barry holds the record for most Premier League appearances. He surpassed Manchester United Ryan Giigg’s tally of 532 matches in 2017, ending his career with 653 caps to his name in 22 years. He has played for Aston Villa, Everton, Manchester City and West Brom. Barry has enjoyed a glittering career before hanging up his boots in 2020.
For the first 20 years, he competed in the Premier League. He made his senior debut at Aston Villa in 1998 before linking up with the Citizens in 2009.
In the second season at the Etihad, the ex-Manchester star helped the club end their 35-year trophy drought and won the FA Cup crown. He then moved to Everton in 2014 on loan and later turned his loan span into a permanent stay. Gareth Barry made his last move to West Brom in 2017 and called it a day there in 2020.
Hurstpierpoint announced Garreth Barry’s arrival to the club on their social media handle.
✍️ BARRY IS A BLUEDOG! 🔵🐶
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. pic.twitter.com/cMsrJcmm4o
— Hurstpierpoint FC (@hurstpierpoint1) July 22, 2024
The club further added that he has a long-standing association with the village through his good friend and coach, Michael Standing. His training has been exceptional and the club is all excited to welcome him.
A new challenge awaits Gareth Barry at the new English club, as this will be the first time he will play below the Championship. He has earned 53 caps with the Three Lions and has captained the England side on various occasions.
After securing the signature of the ex-England midfielder, the club chairman and first-team manager Dudley Christensen was delighted they have Barry on board and told BBC Sport, “He came along to training and loved us. I don’t think he’s going to be around to play every week, but he’s a great signing, and he’s going to raise our profile”.
He added, “I will let him do what he wants to do. He can play where he likes, but I expect he’ll sit in front of the defence and be a shield.” Hurstpierpint will expect Garry to help them improve on their sixth-placed position from last season.
The former Everton star will be looking forward to playing his first match with Hurstpierpoint when the Mid Sussex Football League Championship kicks off and later in the season, grace the Fairfield turf.
Gareth Barry has made a U-turn at the age of 43 to join 11th tier side Hurstpierpoint, having enjoyed a glittering career with Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton and West Brom. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
