Former England man pleased with move.Check into Everton vs Chelsea
New Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has said that he is thrilled to be at the club and cannot wait to get this next chapter of his career underway, Sky Sports reports.
The 32-year-old admitted that working with Roberto Martinez was a big factor in helping him make the decision to leave Manchester City where he saw a limited future under new boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Barry was one of three deadline day arrivals at Everton after the club had wrapped up deals for Wigan’s James McCarthy and Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku earlier in the day.
Barry will now spend the season on loan with the Toffees, and he has confessed that he is looking forward to getting started after the upcoming international break.
“The way I’ve seen his teams play over the years as soon as he got his first management job in English football he’s always tried to play the right style of football,” said Barry.
“When I’ve played against his teams it’s always been interesting to see what formations he’s played.
“He’s made it difficult for the teams playing against him and the way he had plans to fit me into the squad was very encouraging – the manager had a big part to play.”
He continued: “I’ve enjoyed coming to Goodison Park and playing in great atmospheres.
“The fans here are fantastic and they always make it tough for opposing teams so it will be great to be playing on their side.”
Barry was a regular at City under Roberto Mancini, forming a key part of the midfield that helped the side to Premier League victory in 2012, but he is now looking to the future by suggesting that he may even be interested in extending his stay at Goodison.
“One target for this season is to improve on last season and obviously things don’t happen overnight,” said Barry.
“The club and the fans are aware that it is a new manager and his ideas may take a bit of time to get across but it’s been a good start for the club and I’m sure we can improve on that.
“They’ve always been there or thereabouts. That’s why I wanted to come here and help the team and help the club improve – certainly this year and even after that.”