FORMER Premier League ace Darron Gibson has made a surprise return to football with ninth-tier Wythenshawe FC in the North West Counties League.
Fans were gobsmacked after the club teased the signing in a viral TikTok video, which racked up over 700,000 views as supporters tried to guess their mystery new arrival.
And it was none other than the ex-Manchester United and Everton midfielder, who was spotted lining up for Wythenshawe ahead of their clash with AFC Liverpool.
The 37-year-old made his debut in a 3-1 win, playing just over half the game before being subbed off.
Wythenshawe currently sit 4th in the table, just three points off top spot, with 28 points from 13 games.
One fan on TikTok could not hide his delight, he said: “Darron Gibson absolutely loved him at my boyhood club Everton.”
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Another said: “The memories I get when I see him play is just so good.”
Then a third fan said: “It just feels all brilliant to have him here.”
The comeback marks a remarkable turnaround in Gibson’s life, less than a year after he bravely opened up about hi addiction to sleeping pills and a near-fatal seizure.
The ex-Ireland international revealed his addiction began in 2013 after a serious knee injury triggered insomnia and dependency, later made worse by alcohol abuse.
Three years ago, while watching a Manchester derby at home, Gibson suffered a seizure after taking 18 sleeping tablets, a terrifying moment where his wife Danielle feared he was dead.
The shocking episode, along with Danielle’s ultimatum, pushed Gibson to get professional help and turn his life around.
He officially retired from professional football in 2021, citing mental health and injury concerns and now dedicates his time to raising awareness about addiction and being a stay-at-home dad to his young son, Reggie.
But football never left his heart. In recent months, Gibson has been spotted training again, playing golf and appearing in legends games, including for Manchester United, Everton and the Manchester United Foundation.
He even took part in the Masters Football tournament, reuniting with old team-mates and showing flashes of the class that once lit up the Premier League.
Reflecting on his recent appearance at Everton’s new stadium, Gibson said: “Thank you everton for having me play in the legends game at the new stadium yesterday.
“Even though I played right-back, unreal set of lads, unbelievable stadium, unbelievable day.”
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