Thierno Barry's Descent into Football Redemption
On a Zanzibar beach, Thierno Barry played a kickabout with 10-year-old boys, rediscovering his love for football after a tumultuous start in Basel. The Frenchman had struggled in Switzerland, earning two red cards and failing to score in 16 league games, which led him to step away from the sport and enjoy the tranquility of the Indian Ocean.
"I thought it would be easy to score in Basel," Barry recalled, "but I found it wasn't. With the pressure and everything, I lost my confidence, lost the love for playing football - I lost everything." His girlfriend's suggestion to play with some kids on the beach reignited his passion, and upon returning to Basel, he was a different person.
Barry's journey took him to Villarreal, where he scored 11 goals, eventually making the Β£27m move to Everton. The English Premier League has presented its own set of challenges, but David Moyes' faith in the player has been rewarded. Barry has found his goal-scoring touch, netting four goals in his last five Premier League games, helping Everton climb to 10th place.
The 30-year-old's story is one of perseverance and self-doubt. As a teenager, he faced years of rejection, not being scouted by top clubs due to his decision to play as a defender instead of striker. "When I was younger, I never played as a striker... I always played centre-back, right-back, left-back, all the positions but not striker," Barry said.
Barry's approach to football is unconventional. He employs a personal trainer, nutritionist, two physios, and a chef to optimize his performance. His mantra, "Me v Me" - inscribed on his left wrist - serves as a reminder of the mental battle he fights. This internal struggle helps him stay focused, whether in times of feast or famine.
While it's impossible to predict the future, Barry seems determined to make the most of his current run. His family has become his priority, with his nine-month-old daughter and girlfriend being an integral part of his life. "I play with my little baby... so it's OK," he beamed, hinting at a newfound sense of balance.
As for what's next, Barry remains committed to his goal: playing in the Premier League for years to come. His words, 'All the [previous] clubs, before we talk I said: 'My dream is to play in the Premier League,' so if I come here, it's because I want to go to the Premier League, I want to prove here that I can play there.'
Thierno Barry's redemption story serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication. Despite the inevitable ups and downs of football, he has found success and happiness, both on and off the pitch.
On a Zanzibar beach, Thierno Barry played a kickabout with 10-year-old boys, rediscovering his love for football after a tumultuous start in Basel. The Frenchman had struggled in Switzerland, earning two red cards and failing to score in 16 league games, which led him to step away from the sport and enjoy the tranquility of the Indian Ocean.
"I thought it would be easy to score in Basel," Barry recalled, "but I found it wasn't. With the pressure and everything, I lost my confidence, lost the love for playing football - I lost everything." His girlfriend's suggestion to play with some kids on the beach reignited his passion, and upon returning to Basel, he was a different person.
Barry's journey took him to Villarreal, where he scored 11 goals, eventually making the Β£27m move to Everton. The English Premier League has presented its own set of challenges, but David Moyes' faith in the player has been rewarded. Barry has found his goal-scoring touch, netting four goals in his last five Premier League games, helping Everton climb to 10th place.
The 30-year-old's story is one of perseverance and self-doubt. As a teenager, he faced years of rejection, not being scouted by top clubs due to his decision to play as a defender instead of striker. "When I was younger, I never played as a striker... I always played centre-back, right-back, left-back, all the positions but not striker," Barry said.
Barry's approach to football is unconventional. He employs a personal trainer, nutritionist, two physios, and a chef to optimize his performance. His mantra, "Me v Me" - inscribed on his left wrist - serves as a reminder of the mental battle he fights. This internal struggle helps him stay focused, whether in times of feast or famine.
While it's impossible to predict the future, Barry seems determined to make the most of his current run. His family has become his priority, with his nine-month-old daughter and girlfriend being an integral part of his life. "I play with my little baby... so it's OK," he beamed, hinting at a newfound sense of balance.
As for what's next, Barry remains committed to his goal: playing in the Premier League for years to come. His words, 'All the [previous] clubs, before we talk I said: 'My dream is to play in the Premier League,' so if I come here, it's because I want to go to the Premier League, I want to prove here that I can play there.'
Thierno Barry's redemption story serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication. Despite the inevitable ups and downs of football, he has found success and happiness, both on and off the pitch.