Gareth Barry retires from international football age 39

Former Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton and West Brom midfielder Gareth Barry has announced his retirement from professional football.

The veteran midfielder hangs his boots at age 39.

He retires as the Premier League record appearance holder with 653 features for the top-flight.

He played his final match in March this year in West Brom’s 3 2 FA Cup defeat to Newcastle United at the Hawthorns.

Barry came into the light with Aston Villa where he spent 12 years with the club before making a £12m to Manchester City.

He enjoyed a distinguished stint at Etihad winning the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title in 2012.

Barry also made 175 appearances for the Citizens scoring 8 goals and assisting 18 times across four seasons.

He made his senior debut against Ukraine in May 2000, after being a regular in the Three Lions youth teams.

Kevin Keegan called him up for the Euro 2000 but unfortunately did not play a game in the competition.

The midfield player won 53 international caps for England, scoring three goals.

Barry was capped 53 times and netted three goals for England between 2000 and 2012.

In 2013, Barry was loaned to Goodison Park before making a permanent deal thereafter in 2014 following impressive performances for the Merseyside club.

He was named Everton’s player of the season in the 2015-16 campaign.

He mad his final destination in August 2017 after signing for West Brom, ending his career with the club.