Former England international Gareth Barry has come out of retirement after four years away to sign for an 11th tier English club.
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Barry back from retirementSigned for 11-tier English sideLast played for West BromWHAT HAPPENED?
The ex-Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton star has staged a comeback four years after announcing his retirement from professional football as he signs for 11th-tier English club Hurstpierpoint. The 43-year-old will play in the second tier of the Mid Sussex Football League where Hurstpierpoint currently ply their trade.
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After securing the signature of the veteran English midfielder, club chairman and first-team head coach Dudley Christensen 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. I'll 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."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Barry made his senior debut back in 1998 for Aston Villa and spent the next 22 years in the Premier League where he became the most-capped player in history. He surpassed Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs's tally of 632 matches in 2017 and ended his career with 653 caps to his name.
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The former Cityzens star will now look forward to playing his first match in over four years when the Mid Sussex Football League Championship kicks off.