Gary Neville has joined the Labour party, it has emerged - and won't rule out running for Mayor of Greater Manchester one day.
The former United star turned pundit and property developer, 46, has become increasingly vocal in his criticism of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government in recent years.
In a series of scathing attacks, Neville has told his millions of social media followers he wants Mr Johnson out of Downing Street.
Neville, from Bury, has previously done little to dampen rumours that he might fancy moving into politics himself.
Now he has told the BBC's Nick Robinson he has joined the Labour party.
"I have joined, in the last few days, the Labour party," Neville said.
"That is purely for myself, I want to support Labour. I do believe that we need a progressive Labour party.
"But one that actually not just looks after, what would be the left side of the party, it has to come towards the centre."
The news may raise some eyebrows as Neville has not shied away from criticising Labour as well as the Conservative Party in the past.
In summer 2020, he accused leader Sir Keir Starmer of allowing the Tories a 'clear run' to introduce new pandemic restrictions by abstaining on a vote in Parliament.
He also said the country's leaders had proven to be 'out of their depth' during the coronavirus pandemic.
Asked if he would now answer the call from Mr Starmer to run as a Labour candidate, Neville told the BBC: "I dont know, at the moment... no.
"I'll just continue to do this I think, people would say 'why are you using your influence to try and turn people?'
"Actually, at this moment in time I would go more quiet if this current regime that's in, left."
Neville has continually played down his desire to enter politics, while at the same time leaving the possibility open.
"I just think I'd get eaten alive," he added.
"I don't know what Whitehall's like, what Westminster's like, I can only imagine what you have to do their to survive and I dont play the game.
"So how can I get in?
"When I ask myself the question, do you want to dip your toes in?
"I can't dip my toes in because I'm all or nothing.
"If I'm going in then I'm going in."
Reacting to the news, Labour MP for Manchester Central Lucy Powell revealed she had been encouraging Neville to join the party 'for a while'.
"Very pleased Gary Neville has finally joined Labour," she said.
"It’s something he and I have been discussing for a while.
"Personally think he’s more than capable of navigating (well, steaming) his way through the world of politics! Look forward to helping."
