A footballer who has played in England's top league has signed for Macclesfield FC.

Manchester born Left-back Zeki Fryers will play for The Silkmen next season.

He has made 18 appearances for three Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace and Manchester United.

Our town's non-league football club Macclesfield FC are playing in Premier League (of sorts) next season with the Northern Premier League One West, so by coincidence, a statement signing has been made of a former Premier League player.

In a statement, the club said: "Macclesfield FC are delighted to unveil former Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and England youth international defender Zeki Fryers as our first summer signing.

"The 29-year-old arrives at the Leasing.com Stadium after agreeing terms ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and brings a wealth of experience with him.

"Progressing through the youth ranks at Manchester United, Zeki forged his way into the First Team at Old Trafford, before signing a two-year contract at Belgian side Standard Liege back in 2012.

Zeki played in Cheshire last season, being part of Stockport County's promotion from the non-league to the professional leagues. (Image - @thesilkmen)

"Zeki then returned to England in order to sign for Tottenham Hotspur, before moving across London to join Crystal Palace on a three-year contract in September 2013.

"During his time at Selhurst Park, Zeki made 14 appearances for The Eagles, as well as enjoying loan moves at Championship sides, Rotherham United and Ipswich Town respectively.

"In the summer of 2017, Zeki then made the move to Barnsley where he made thirty-one appearances for The Tykes over a two-year period.

"Transferring to Swindon Town in the summer of 2019, Zeki helped the Wiltshire side claim the Sky Bet League Two title – making twenty-five appearances during what proved to be a memorable season for The Robins.

"During the 2020/21 season, Zeki made eleven further appearances for the Sky Bet League One side before being released at the end of his contract.

"Zeki spent last season at eventual National League champions Stockport County, and National League South side, Welling United.

Zeki added: "I am delighted to join Macclesfield FC and cannot wait for the new season to begin.

"There was interest from clubs in higher divisions – but once I became aware that Macclesfield was interested in me, it really was a no-brainer to sign as the journey that they have been on so far has been remarkable.

"To play in front of so many fans and within these amazing facilities is something that excites me greatly and pre-season cannot come around quick enough.

"I would like to thank all those involved for their faith in me and can assure everyone that I will give everything I have to ensure that we all enjoy another successful campaign."

Following current player Neil Danns and ex-Silkmen Alex Bruce, Zeki is the third former Premier League player to play for Macclesfield FC.

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