We pick an XI with some of the Premier League’s longest serving players; featuring those from Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
As John Terry gets ready to leave Chelsea, we take a look at some of the Premier League’s most loyal players.
Crystal Palace signed Julian Speroni from Scottish side Dundee following their promotion to the Premier League in 2004. After five of his opening six games at Selhurst Park ended in defeat, the Argentine lost his place in the Eagles’ starting-eleven to trouser-wearing Gabor Kiraly.
Speroni had to wait until the 2007/8 season before he saw regular football again at Palace. He has since racked up close to 400 appearances and over 100 clean sheets.
Angel Rangel has proved to be an incredible bargain for Swansea City after joining from lower league Spanish outfit Terassa. The right-back helped the Swans win promotion to the Championship in his first season at the club before reaching the top-flight in 2011.
Kieran Gibbs swapped Wimbledon for Arsenal in 2004. He made his Premier League debut five years later, coming on as a late substitute in the goalless draw away to North-London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The left-back has recently been linked with a summer move away from the Emirates Stadium.
Former England captain John Terry will leave Chelsea in the summer after spending more than two decades at Stamford Bridge. Terry, who featured over 500 times for the Blues, can also boast 14 major honours – including four Premier League titles and a Champions League win.
Terry’s ex-England teammate Phil Jagielka is Everton’s longest-serving player. The centre-back has featured regularly in his tenth season at Goodison Park.
In 2006, a 16-year-old Theo Walcott arrived at Arsenal as one of the hottest prospects in English football. Now 28 years old, Walcott is closing in on 400 appearances in a Gunners shirt.
West Bromwich Albion secured the signature of Chris Brunt ahead 2007/8 Championship season. Along with fellow long-serving midfielder James Morrison, the versatile Northern Ireland international has been an integral force in helping the Baggies shed their tag as a ‘yo-yo’ club.
Manchester United will host a testimonial this summer to honour Michael Carrick’s 11-year stay. Carrick, 35, has appeared over 450 times for United since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur.
West Ham United academy graduate Mark Noble is living the dream as captain and fan-favourite at his boyhood club. The central midfielder made his top-flight debut during a 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers back in 2005.
Harry Kane has risen through the Tottenham Hotspur ranks to become one of the most prolific forwards in European football. His first top-flight goal came in Spurs’ 5-1 victory against Sunderland three years ago.
Wayne Rooney took his place as Manchester United’s all-time top scorer this season. The 31-year-old, who joined from Everton in 2004, has made over 550 league appearances for the Red Devils. Rooney continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford stay in the summer.
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