Gareth Barry will join a unique club when he makes his first Premier League appearance of the new campaign, becoming one of few players to compete in 20 seasons.
Only Ryan Giggs, Frank Lampard, and Rio Ferdinand have managed it before Barry. Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Sol Campbell retired or dropped out of the top flight just before making it to their 20th season.
Barry made his professional debut for Aston Villa in May 1998 against Sheffield Wednesday after joining Villa from Brighton.
PREMIER LEAGUE SEASONS
| Player | Seasons |
|---|---|
| Ryan Giggs | 22 |
| Rio Ferdinand | 20 |
| Frank Lampard | 20 |
| Paul Scholes | 19 |
| Gareth Barry | 19 |
| Phil Neville | 19 |
| Sol Campbell | 19 |
The then-future England international was only 16-years-old.