According to reports in the Express and Star, former Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry has refused to rule out a return to the club where he spent 12 years before he retires from football.
What’s the story, then?
Well, the 36-year-old, who is currently trying to help Everton achieve European football at the end of the season by finishing as high up in the Premier League table as they can, was asked in an interview whether he would ever like to return to Villa Park.
After making his debut for the club in 1997, Barry left for pastures new in 2009 when he joined Manchester City, and he is currently second in the Premier League’s all-time appearance list.
What did he say, then?
Asked whether he would ever return, he told the Express and Star:
“You never say never, but Everton is my sole focus at the moment. I look out for their results all the time. The majority of my friends are from Birmingham and supporting either Villa or Blues.”
How did he do in his previous spell at Villa Park?
Very well.
Barry made 441 appearances in all competitions and scored 52 goals, and also won the majority of his England caps during his time at Villa Park.
What would he bring to this current Villa side?
Well, there’s one obvious attribute – experience.
The midfielder has been there and seen it all during his career and with Aston Villa set to miss out on promotion this season, they will want to be challenging at the top of the table next term.
A player with Barry’s quality and composure in the middle would certainly be a helping hand in their fight to regain their spot in the Premier League.
