Everton’s Barry turned down London clubs as a youngster

Gareth Barry could have gone to Arsenal or Chelsea as a youngster, according to the all-time record holder for the most number of Premier League starts.

The former Aston Villa man recently played, and scored in, his 600th Premier League fixture, and even makes an appearance in the 2017 Guinness Book of World Records for the highest ever number of Premier League starts – currently standing at 580.

Now, at 35, with Premier League and FA Cup winner’s medals around his neck and 53 England appearances to his name, the midfield dynamo can justifiably be happy with his lot.

But it could all have been so different if he had gone to London as a youngster, with the Everton man admitting there was interest from the capital early in his career.

“I could have gone to Arsenal, Chelsea, Palace, a few London teams, but the bright lights of London were too scary – or that’s what my mum said,” he joked.

Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images

And when questioned how he made himself a fixture in so many managers’ sides from such a young age, Barry had some wise words for young players today.

“It must just be in my makeup, trying to go out there and do my job, rather than trying to impress people,” he added.

“Just doing what is being asked of you, that is what young players sometimes do not pick up on, they can be a bit on edge and trying to impress people a bit too much, rather than doing what is asked of them.

“You have got to get the right mix, because you have to do what comes naturally, but at the same time you’re doing a job for your team and manager as well.”