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