Read on to find out which player has displayed the ultimate degree of football loyalty as a one club man.  Apologies in advance to a Mr P.Scholes.

10. Matt Le Tissier, Southampton

The sublimely talented Matt Le Tissier spent 17 years at Southampton where he scored 210 goals in 540 appearances.

Nicknamed ‘Le God’ by the adoring Saints faithful, Le Tiss’ loyalty to the South Coast club remained undiminished throughout his professional career despite interest from both Chelsea and Tottenham.

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9. Jamie Carragher, Liverpool

Bootle-born defender Jamie Carragher is a player who defines the spirit and tradition of Liverpool FC with the passion and determination he demonstarted in his performances. Rising through the club’s youth and reserve ranks, vice-captain Carragher has made over 640 appearances for the club. When asked if he ever considered a move to another club, the surprised centre-half replied:

“Who’s bigger than Liverpool?”

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8. John Trollope, Swindon

Reliable Robins left-back John Trollope currently holds the record for highest number of appearances ever-made for one club in England.

Trollope made an astonishing 770 appearances for Swindon between 1960 & 80 and was awarded an MBE for his outstanding service to the game.

7. Franco Baresi, AC Milan

Considered as one of the greatest defenders of all-time, AC Milan stalwart Franco Baresi spent two decades at the heart of the Rossoneri defence where he won six titles and three European Cups.

The ‘little one’, standing at 5’ 9’’, made over 697 appearances for the Italian side before retiring in 1997 aged 37. His No.6 shirt was retired in his honour, a rarity in Italian football.

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6. Francesco Totti, Roma

Five-time Italian Footballer of the Year Francesco Totti and Roma captain is currently the club’s leading-ever goalscorer with 245 goals in 578 appearances.

As one of the finest players of his generation, Totti also holds the club’s appearance record after making his first team debut against Brescia as a 16-year-old in March 1993.

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5. Steven Gerrard, Liverpool

Current Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has repeatedly pledged his allegiance to the Reds despite coming close to moving to current champions Chelsea on several occasions.

As one of the greatest-ever Premier League players, Gerrard has maintained his own extremely high standards in over 530 appearances for the club. He has won two FA Cups, one UEFA Cup and one European Cup during his time at Anfield.

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4. Tony Adams, Arsenal

Dubbed ‘Mr Arsenal’, defender Tony Adams spent 19 years at Highbury making 668 appearances for the Gunners.

After breaking into the first-team as a 17-year-old, Adams went onto to captain the club at 21. He lifted four League titles and three FA Cups during his illustrious playing career in North London

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3. Jack Charlton, Leeds

World Cup winning defender Jack Charlton was a Yorkshire rock in defence for Leeds United between 1952- 73.

The former Republic of Ireland manager made an unbelievable 774 appearances for the Elland Road club where he won a League title, FA Cup and League Cup.

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2. Ryan Giggs, Manchester United

Welsh wing wizard Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in the history of English football with 11 League titles, four FA Cups and two Champions League medals.

Giggs, who remains the only player to score in every single Premier League season, first broke into the United side in 1991. The evergreen midfielder has since made 846 appearances for the club and remains a key member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side today.

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1. Paolo Maldini, AC Milan

Italian legend Paolo Maldini retired in 2009 after 25 years at AC Milan and over 900 appearances for the Serie A side.

During his time at Milan, central defender Maldini won seven League titles and five European Cups. His No.3 shirt was retired in his honour but will be given to one of his sons who currently play for the club’s youth sides should either of them play for the first-team.

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