Premier League cult hero looks unrecognisable after spending his time 'constantly at the gym'

A Premier League cult hero now looks completely different to his playing days after revealing his new physique following retirement.

The former Man City man was a guest on the Soccer A-Z podcast and stunned presenters with his muscular appearance, 15 years after retiring from the professional game.

During his playing career, striker Darren Huckerby featured for several notable clubs, including City, Leeds United and Norwich City - for whom he made the most impact.

Huckerby scored 48 goals in 203 appearances for the Canaries between 2003 and 2008.

Following a brief spell in the MLS with San Jose Earthquakes, he eventually hung up his boots in 2009.

Often fans comment on ex-footballers' physical appearances following retirement, as many do not continue their strict fitness regimes once their playing days are over.

But for Huckerby, this has clearly been a priority - with host Tubes [Peter Dale] commenting "How stacked is he by the way?!" after seeing the former striker via a video message.

"He's constantly at the gym, he's always exercising," added co-host Robbie Knox.

His appearance on the show stemmed from a segment in which the Soccer A-Z team had to think of their best words beginning with the letter D that are associated with football.

As a result, Huckerby's first name cropped up, with the former striker sending the team a quick video message.

Darren Huckerby on the Soccer A-Z podcast (Image: Soccer A-Z)

Darren Huckerby used to play for Man city

During the clip, Huckerby joked about Knox's drinking exploits, adding: "This has been chucked at me last minute. I'm just at the gym so I'll do my best.

"Robbie Knox as a drinking partner: always pays his way, occasionally drinks some kind of fruity, c***** lager but he does his best, often palms his kids off with people so he can carry on drinking, and he always loves one more for the road so he gets sucked in with that all the time.

"Anyway, he's a great drinking partner. Have a great day."

Since retiring form the professional game, Huckerby had a spell as Under-16s coach at Norwich City.

The 48-year-old also took part in a 'Masters' football tournament in 2011; scoring eight goals in the Yorkshire Masters for his old club Leeds.

Since then, the Nottingham-born forward has been regularly pictured playing in charity football matches, helping to maintain his impressive physique.