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Barry speaks about “difficult” summer

Published by Zac Lee Rigg on September 7, 2008

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry had a turbulent summer, without much changing.

The object of a hefty Liverpool bid, Barry admitted that he would relish the Champion’s League experience before Villa were prepared to let him go.

In his first friendly, he was booed by the Villain support and has been stripped of his captaincy.

Barry said according to the Sunday Mercury: “It was a tough summer, a difficult summer for myself, but that is all in the past now. That’s why I felt it was important I didn’t wait until the last minute of the transfer deadline to make a statement on my future.

“I made it 10 days ago now to let everyone know my mind’s focused on playing for Aston Villa and more importantly, obviously, for England.

“I didn’t see too much of what was said (by Fabio Capello). As I’ve said, it was a tough summer and it may have played a bit on my mind.

“But I wasn’t going into the game thinking about my situation at all. I was trying to do the best for my country.

“It’s important now that the qualifying games are coming up and everyone knows what I’m focused on.

“I personally feel very good, very fit. I didn’t have the ideal preseason but I’m personally fine and ready to go. It’s early season and I feel as if I’m playing pretty well.”

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