Barry on retirement

Gareth Barry isn’t considering retirement as he closes down on Ryan Giggs’ all-time Premier League appearance record.

Everton’s player of the season for 2015-16 told the Liverpool Echo: “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?”