Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has made a surprise comeback to the game, signing for Hanworth Villa of the Combined Counties Premier Division at the age of 51.
The England international and Sky Sports pundit made his debut for his new side on Tuesday, as the Villiains lost to league leaders Spelthorne Sports 3-0 on Tuesday night, Football in Berkshire reports.
He becomes the latest in a line of ex-pros who have moved to resume their playing career, with Robbie Savage signing for Stockport Town and Gareth Ainsworth playing for Berkshire side Woodley United.
However, aged 51, Merson is one of the more surprising men to make a return to the game - although this isn't the first time he has caught the headlines by making a surprising move to non-league football.
Back in October 2017, Merson played 65 minutes for fourth-tier Welsh club Caerau against Pontyclun, helping the home side to a 3-2 lead before the match ended hi abandonment due to floodlight failure.
Prior to that, he made a one-off appearance for Welshpool Town in 2012, following a career that saw him represent Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Villa, Portsmouth and Walsall.
Merson announced his retirement from playing professional football in 2006 after a short spell at non-league side Tamworth.
