Arsene Wenger missed out on signing Gareth Barry in 2009, but the Arsenal manager wasn't about to let the midfielder leave the Emirates without a Gunners shirt on Monday night.
West Brom midfielder Barry made his 633rd appearance in the 2-0 loss at Arsenal on Monday night, surpassing the previous record set by former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs.
Barry moved to Manchester City eight years ago for £12million, winning the Premier League title and FA Cup before switching to Everton and then West Brom this summer.
Wenger revealed earlier this week that City's spending power priced Arsenal out of a move at the time, but the Gunners boss was on hand to present Barry with a signed Arsenal shirt to mark his record-breaking appearance on Monday.
Wenger had said of Barry in his pre-match programme notes: "It's an incredible achievement but he is a marvellous player.
"I think he's been underrated because he is always focused, determined, strong in the challenge, has good vision, a top-quality left foot and is also a very good defender.
In Pictures | Arsenal vs West Brom | 25/09/2017
"He's a very intelligent player on the pitch and breaking Ryan Giggs' record is a remarkable achievement because it shows this guy has dedicated his life to the game.
"It's a shame he didn't get more England caps but he was playing at a time when it was hard to get in the team ahead of players like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham."
Barry predictably downplayed the achievement with the same no-nonsense style he has made a 21-season career out of.
"It was something different this week, having a lot of media attention," he told BBC Sport.
"It will be nice to put this milestone to bed.
"I've not really given it too much thought about who is behind me. There is so much concentration on what you are doing."
Additional reporting by the Press Association.
