Gareth Barry, a former England international, has signed to play football for a Sussex village club.
Coming out of retirement, the 43-year-old midfielder—who now holds the record for the most Premier League appearances—joined Hurstpierpoint for the forthcoming campaign.
The Premier League legend’s new team formally welcomed him today and exclaimed that his “quality in training has been unreal.”
Hurstpierpoint is a team in the 11th tier of the English football pyramid, competing in the second level of the Mid Sussex Football League.
According to the non-league team, Gareth has a long-standing connection to the community thanks to his close friend and coach Michael Standing, therefore it made sense to integrate him with the football team, as stated on X.
‘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.’
Barry, who won the title and an FA Cup with Manchester City, made 653 appearances in the top flight.
✍️ 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
He began his career with Aston Villa, where he played 441 appearances over 12 seasons, scoring 52 goals.
He left City after three years to play with Everton in 2013 and then signed with West Brom, where he finished his career in 2020.
Among his other noteworthy accomplishments are winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup with Villa in 2001, earning 53 caps for England, and being included in the teams for the World Cup in both 2000 and 2010.
Dudley Christensen, the chairman of Hurstpierpoint and manager of the first team, told the BBC that he will let Barry to play whichever position he wishes.
‘He can play where he likes,’ he said.
‘But I expect he’ll sit in front of the defence and be a shield.
‘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.’
The club said Barry is earmarked to make his debut in September, which will mark the first time he’s played competitive football at any level lower than the Championship.