Former England star Gary Neville today told the Labour Party Conference it is time for "laser focus" in defeating the "tired failing government" of Liz Truss.
The 47-year-old, who won 85 caps for his country and won 20 club trophies, was given a standing ovation in Liverpool after lashing out at Ms Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.
He quipped: "It's the best reception I've ever had here, usually when I see reds in Liverpool I'm in trouble."
He sat down with party leader Keir Starmer and shadow sport secretary Lisa Powell in front of hundreds of the Labour faithful.
Speaking about his decision to enter politics, Neville said: "I've chosen to speak out because I don't think silence is good enough anymore."
The ex-right back told the conference of the decision to scrap the cap on banker bonuses: "How can you think that way?
"I think they're the only man and woman in the country who think that would be a good idea."
Mr Starmer said Neville's grit made him an ideal figure to get involved in politics.
The party boss stated: "I came into politics later in life, I was a lawyer and I worked in Northern Ireland.
"I think coming in later in life gives you something you don't have if you come in earlier.
"Looking at your experience as captain and playing together, it's what we need sometimes in this party - but not at this conference. But at the moment the country feels so divided."
He continued: "There's a fight to be had and you enjoy that competition. Just imagine the Tories are Liverpool Football Club."
Neville shared his frustration with Tory priorities following last Friday's mini-budget - after an eye-opening interview with The Mirror in which he accused the government of "taking the Mickey out of us".
Defending NHS workers and teachers who are considering industrial action over below inflation pay, Neville said: "Do you think these people want to go on strike? It's their absolute last resort to have to do that.
"Do you accept that we don't look after the people we clapped during the pandemic?"
Asked what advice he would give Labour, Neville said: "Remain laser focused and focus on the single goal which is to remove the Tory government."
And he added: "Get behind Keir Starmer."
He said a Labour government would have to restore Britain's reputation around the world, adding: "That's not going to happen under a Conservative government."
