Everton’s Gareth Barry has opened the door on a return to Aston Villa.
Everton’s Gareth Barry applauds fans
Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has told The Express and Star that he would be open to returning to Aston Villa before calling time on his career.
Barry, who turned 36 last season, joined Villa from Brighton and Hove Albion at the age of just 16 way back in 1997, and became a Villa Park hero during his time with the club.
Whether he played at left back, central midfield or on the left of midfield, Barry was a fan favourite at Villa Park, making almost 450 appearances in claret and blue whilst also becoming an England international.
Barry left Villa for Manchester City in 2009, and made 175 appearances for the club whilst also winning the 2011 FA Cup as well as the Premier League title in 2012.
Now with Everton, Barry has been a regular under Ronald Koeman this season, but with the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Morgan Schneiderlin and Tom Davies also at Koeman’s disposal, it remains to be seen just how much Barry plays moving forward.
At 36, Barry may have one more move left in him to end his playing days, and whilst his exit almost eight years ago upset many Villa fans, Barry has refused to rule out a return to Villa Park.
Everton’s Gareth Barry celebrates scoring
Speaking to The Express and Star, Barry admitted that he still looks out for Villa’s result, and whilst his focus is with Everton, he can’t rule out the possibility of re-signing for Villa before ending his playing days.
Unsurprisingly, Barry’s comments have sparked a reaction on social media from Villa fans, with many admitting that they would love to see him turning out in a Villa shirt again.
Some wanted to see Barry and Mile Jedinak rotate in the holding midfield role next season, with club owner Tony Xia even messaged by one fan, urging him to make a summer move to bring Barry back to the club.
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