Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger presents Gareth Barry with a special shirt to mark the occasion

633 NOT OUT

West Brom star Gareth Barry breaks Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs’ record of all-time Premier League appearances at the Emirates

Gary Stonehouse

Published: 23:40, 25 Sep 2017
Updated: 0:10, 26 Sep 2017

Sponsored by

GARETH BARRY tonight entered the history books and become the Premier League's all-time top appearance maker after he was named in West Brom's side to take on Arsenal.

The former England midfielder surpassed Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs' total of playing 632 matches after he was named as captain for the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.

Gareth Barry was named in the West Brom side for his record-breaking 633rd Premier League appearanceCredit: Getty

Barry, 36, made the first appearance of his record-breaking run for Aston Villa at Sheffield Wednesday on 2 May 1998.

The then 17-year-old appeared that day at Hillsborough as a second-half substitute and replaced Ian Taylor.

Since that day he has gone on win Premier League and FA Cup during his distinguished career.

And the former Manchester City and Everton veteran insists he has no intention of quitting anytime soon.

Barry, who joined West Brom in the summer and has the option of a one-year extension to his contract at the end of the season, said prior to the clash at the Emirates: “I still enjoy driving into training every day.

“It’s a fantastic lifestyle and I want to keep it going as long as possible.

Gareth Barry in action during West Brom's defeat at the EmiratesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Gareth Barry made his 633rd appearance on Monday nightCredit: Reuters

Gareth Barry made the first of his record-breaking appearances for Aston Villa back in May 1998Credit: PA:Empics Sport

LATEST WEST BROM NEWS

TWIN PEAKS

Clubs queue up for Newcastle star Jacob Murphy's brother Josh after hot EFL form

'HOW ON EARTH?'

Fans horrified at 'worst decision of the season' as bizarre penalty awarded

CRASS BAND

Football fan caught firing 'rubber band' at player live on Sky Sports

FINE INTERVENTION

West Brom star recreates 'Hand of God' to prevent winning goal

“I have no idea how longer I will be able to remain a Premier League player because I never thought I would never get anywhere near this amount of starts.

“You achieve certain landmarks like 100 appearances and then you’ve hit 500 and think you’re coming near to the end of your career but I’m proud I’ve always been able to keep going.

Barry, right, went on to join Man City and won the FA Cup and the Premier League with themCredit: Reuters

Gareth Barry won 53 caps for EnglandCredit: Getty

Gareth Barry left Everton in the summer to sign for West BromCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Gareth Barry has now surpassed Ryan Giggs' totalCredit: PA:Press Association

“I’m still taking each season as it comes and I’ve listened to former players and my family who have told me there is plenty of time after football to do other things, so carry on as long as you can.

“There is no better feeling than running out with your teammates and trying to win a game of football – no finer than when the final whistle goes and you’ve won.”

Click here to learn more about Gareth Barry's Premier League appearance record.

Keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip, rumours and done deals in SunSport’s LIVE transfer blog

The summer transfer window was one the craziest we have ever seen.

Take a look at the most profitable transfers of ALL time.

And here are the Premier League players whose wages made them the most expensive per minute played.