Gareth Barry claims he laughed at Everton boss Roberto Martinez

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Everton sold Gareth Barry to West Bromwich Albion during the summer transfer window.

Gareth Barry has told the Daily Star that he laughed at former Everton boss Roberto Martinez when he was told that he could play until he was 40.

Barry has equalled Ryan Giggs’ record for Premier League appearances, after playing 632 times in the Premier League.

And the midfielder now has his sights on carrying on playing for a number of years yet, after signing for West Bromwich Albion during the summer transfer window.

“It’s definitely a possibility [Barry said, when asked if he could play until he’s 40],” Barry said.

“I was 32 when I signed for Everton and (the manager) Roberto Martinez said, ‘You’re style of game – you can play until you’re 40’.

“I’m sitting there laughing at him, but he was deadly serious, and I still laughed. It’s still going to be tough, but for a manager to tell me that four to five years ago is a good compliment, which was nice to hear.

“I’m immensely proud to get there. Whether it will stay around for long I don’t know.”

Barry was a key part of Martinez’s team at Everton during the Spaniard’s time in charge at Goodison Park, but Ronald Koeman deemed the veteran to be surplus to requirements last summer.

Barry was sold to West Brom, and he been used fairly regularly at the Hawthorns.

Barry has made four Premier League appearances for the Baggies, with Tony Pulis clearly an admirer of the former England international.

If Barry does continue to play until he is 40, as is his new aim, he will smash the current Premier League appearance record.