Native soccer followers of a non-league membership had been left shocked when a former Manchester United stepped out for a uncommon look 4 years after retiring from the skilled ranks.
Ninth-tier Wythenshawe FC shared a video of their workforce rising from the altering rooms for his or her North West Counties League conflict with AFC Liverpool over the weekend, asking followers if they might spot their ‘new ex-Premier League signing’.
Because the gamers walked out onto the pitch it turned clear simply who the membership’s new signing was – none aside from ex-United midfielder Darren Gibson.
The video has now racked up greater than 700,000 views on social media platform TikTok.
Gibson, 37, made 31 appearances for the Pink Devils, through which time he lifted the Premier League title (2010-11) and the League Cup on two events.
After stints at Everton, Sunderland and Wigan, the Eire worldwide completed his profession at Salford Metropolis in 2021.
Former Man United star Darren Gibson made a shock look at a non-league sport
Gibson, a youth academy product from United, received a handful of titles whereas at Outdated Trafford
Gibson proved he is nonetheless received it, enjoying over half the match as Wythenshawe ran out 3-1 winners.
The non-league membership are fourth of their league, having made a powerful begin to the season, and sit three factors off prime spot with 28 factors from 13 video games.
The 37-year-old’s return to the pitch comes after he candidly revealed his battle with dependancy to sleeping drugs.
The previous midfielder mentioned his dependancy started in 2013 following a severe knee damage, which had triggered a bout of insomnia. He then turned depending on the drugs, made worse by alcohol abuse.
That led to a near-fatal seizure three years in the past, having taken 18 sleeping tablets – together with his spouse Danielle fearing he had died.
Gibson’s surprising episode – and an ultimatum from his spouse – triggered him to hunt out skilled assist and switch his life round.
‘He had gone so stiff and the sweat was dripping from him and he was biting chunks out of his tongue,’ Danielle instructed The Sunday Occasions.
‘I used to be attempting to cease him doing that, however I could not raise him.
‘His physique was so moist and his eyes had been like a roulette machine, they had been whirring round so quick.
Gibson lately disclosed his battle with dependancy relationship again to a severe knee damage
‘It lasted about three minutes after which there was a stillness.
‘His lips turned blue and I believed he had died.’
Reflecting on his time in hospital, Gibson mentioned: ‘They had been doing mind scans and epilepsy scans.
‘I knew deep down what occurred however I used to be too embarrassed to inform them.
‘Lastly I mentioned, “Hear, it is not that.” I had taken 12 sleeping tablets the night time earlier than and about six extra earlier than I sat down to observe the match.
‘When you have received the cash and the connections you may get no matter [medication] you need.’
