Ross Barkley wants to stay at Everton for first-team football…
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has claimed he wants to stay at Goodison Park, despite rumours that Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in him, reports Sky Sports.
The 19-year-old recently won his first England cap due to a fantastic Premier League start, and has drawn interest from the Premier League giants.
However, a recent chat with Liverpool and England skipper Steven Gerrard helped Barkley decide to stay at Everton for this good of his career.
“He told me I’m from Liverpool, a local lad playing for the team I support, and there is nothing better,” said Barkley.
“He’s done that throughout his career. He said playing is the main thing, going to another team and not playing would be no good for my development.”
Gerrard famously turned down multiple opportunities to join Chelsea during Jose Mourinho’s first reign in charge, and although he hasn’t won a Premier League title, the midfielder will go down as one of the country’s finest players.
“I was a bit star-struck when I first joined up but Steven was good to me when I was away. I sat next to him on the coach and he gave me loads of advice,” Barkley continued.
“He said the big hitters are going to be looking at me but the main thing for me is to stay with the club I’m at, the team I support and love, which is Everton.”
Barkley’s chances of first team football at either Chelsea or Manchester United would arguably be limited, and like Gerrard said – the best thing for his development would be to stay at Everton.
The Toffees won 3-2 yesterday against West Ham, with Barkley playing from the outset.
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