Gareth Barry claims to shun the limelight and considers life in the shadows at Manchester City to be just 'perfect'.
The midfielder is something of an unsung hero at the Etihad Stadium, with a collection of more illustrious colleagues often stealing the headlines at the reigning Premier League champions.
Barry has no complaints with such a standing, with his game all about doing the little things well and making life easier for the more creative influences around him.
His work may not always be recognised outside of Manchester City's inner circle, with there no room for him in the latest England squad, but the 31-year-old is happy to continue going about his business in an understated fashion.
Barry told the Manchester Evening News: "I am that sort of player. I don't go on to the pitch thinking about walking back into the media area and looking for headlines.
"That's not my role and I have been lucky enough over the years to work for managers who have been able to see that.
"That's all I care about, playing my game, and as long as I'm playing and the team is winning, it's perfect."
Barry's role at Manchester City is geared towards bringing the best out of David Silva and Yaya Toure, something which has been happening in recent weeks.
He added: "Since I came to City, you see the players the club have signed, and that is the reason I came here.
"They can make your job so much easier - it's fantastic to receive the ball and see the attacking options we have, the options to give the ball into feet, or put it in behind, and know they will create chances.
"That's what we did against Sunderland last Saturday."
