Gareth Barry breaks English Premier League appearance record

West Bromwich Albion's Gareth Barry applauds fans after the match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, London, Britain, Sept 25, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Gareth Barry broke former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs' Premier League appearance record when he played in West Brom 2-0 loss at Arsenal on Monday.

The 36-year-old midfielder was made Baggies captain in honor of his 633rd Premier League match, one more than Giggs, who played all his career in Manchester United.

The match was Barry's 601st start in the Premier League, which is also a record.

"It's obviously a nice moment," Barry said. "I'm very proud to reach this number but like anything I try to put it to the back of my mind and concentrate on the game of football.

Barry made his debut for Aston Villa at the age of 17 on May 2, 1998, when they beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-1.

He made 365 appearances for Villa before playing 132 matches in the top flight for Manchester City, with whom he won the title in 2012.

He featured 131 times for Everton and has played four games for West Brom since joining the club this summer.