Manchester City may not have brought anyone in on transfer deadline day, but England midfielder Gareth Barry bid farewell to the Etihad Stadium to join Everton on loan.
The 32-year-old has moved to Goodison Park for the rest of the season and, with just a year left on his City contract, has most likely played his last game for the Citizens.
But Barry – who has 53 England caps – is raring to go at his new club despite the exhausting 11th hour nature of his move to Roberto Martinez’s men.
“The deal was done late but it was something that I always hoped would get over the line,” he told Everton’s official website.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the lads and helping Everton to progress.
“I know all about Everton’s history and it’s a fantastic club. I’ve enjoyed playing games at Goodison Park, the atmosphere is always fantastic.
“The atmosphere is one of the best in the Premier League. The noise the fans make and the way they can upset opposing teams is fantastic for the players playing for Everton.”
Barry joins Maicon, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz, Wayne Bridge and Scott Sinclair to leave the Premier League runners-up over the summer and seek pastures new.
He joined City from Aston Villa in 2009 for £12million, winning the FA Cup and Premier League during his time in Manchester, scoring eight times in 158 appearances.
Manuel Pellegrini’s summer spending at City exceeded £100million through the purchases of Martin Demichelis, Alvaro Negredo, Fernandinho, Jesus Navas and Stevan Jovetic.
Image courtesy of mcfcofficial, via Youtube, with thanks.
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