Barry joins elite company with 600th Premier League appearance
Gareth Barry is now breathing rarefied air, as the English midfielder became just the third player in Premier League history to make 600 appearances when he started in Everton's clash against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
In joining the exclusive club, the former Aston Villa and Manchester City stalwart closes the gap on Frank Lampard (609 appearances) and all-time leader Ryan Giggs (632 appearances).
Gareth Barry has spent 35.2 days on a pitch playing Premier League football #Barry600 #StatCave
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) September 16, 2016
Barry, 35, began his professional career with Villa, spending 11 years in Birmingham before making the switch to Manchester City in 2009.
The Citizens made a point to congratulate their former midfielder on his impressive accomplishment.
Congratulations to City hero Gareth Barry on 600 @premierleague appearances! #mcfc pic.twitter.com/u6YeL2SrfS
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 17, 2016
At Goodison Park since 2013 - he initially moved on loan before clinching a permanent switch - the veteran has been a consistent presence in the centre of the park for the Toffees.
Fittingly, Barry marked Saturday's occasion with a goal, slotting home a left-footed effort in the opening half.