Gareth Barry: 'Roberto Martinez told me I could play until 40'

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Gareth Barry has suggested that he could still be playing professional football beyond his 40th birthday.

The 36-year-old will break Ryan Giggs's record of 632 Premier League appearances should he feature for the Baggies against Arsenal on Monday night.

Barry, who has enjoyed a fruitful 19-year career in the English top flight, recalled a conversation he had with former Everton boss Roberto Martinez about his longevity in the game.

The Englishman told Sky Sports News: "It's definitely a possibility. I was 32 when I signed for Everton and Roberto Martinez said, 'Your 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, who joined Albion from Everton in the summer, has a year's option on his initial 12-month deal.