Gareth Barry has expressed his desire to continue playing for as long as his body allows him.
The veteran has been as consistent as ever this season and picked up player of the season at this year’s club awards. The Englishman has become a vital part of this Everton side and is looking to have as much of an impact on the team next season as he did during the previous term.
The midfielder will also have one eye on Ryan Giggs’ Premier League record for the most league appearances, with Barry only 37 off the Welshman’s record tally. Should he have an ever present season, it would see the veteran break the record with a chance to smash it the season after.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Barry maintained that his motivation is as high as ever and will look to carry on until his body tells him otherwise.
You have got to know your own body and what your body needs
I count myself lucky that my body has been really good with injuries. I’ve only had a couple of setbacks throughout my career where I have been out for four or five weeks. You’ve got to keep that desire and make sure that you are driving into training every day wanting to give 100 per cent. You take it a day at a time – then suddenly you are looking back at 17 or 18 years.
I’ve also seen players who have retired and they have all said to keep playing for as long as possible. For me, I want to keep going because there is plenty of time after football to relax. Whilst you can still play football, why not keep doing it?
