Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley has set his sights on ending the club's 29-year wait for a major trophy, following his successful return to Unai Emery's first-team plans.
A Remarkable Career Turnaround
The 31-year-old midfielder didn't feature for Villa until October but has since become a regular fixture, appearing in the last five Premier League matches. His resurgence culminated in scoring his first goal in ten months during Sunday's victory over Bournemouth, marking a significant personal milestone.
In a revealing interview with The Athletic, Barkley disclosed that he has completely given up alcohol as part of his commitment to extending his professional career. The former Chelsea and Everton star also opened up about his complex relationship with manager Unai Emery and his burning desire to bring silverware back to Villa Park.
Emery's Honest Assessment
Barkley recounted a fascinating conversation with his manager, who expressed bewilderment at the player's unconventional career trajectory. "He's clear. He doesn't mess about," Barkley revealed. "He loves me as a player. He saw me at Luton and was like, 'How did you go down your career path?'"
The Spanish manager apparently couldn't comprehend Barkley's journey from Chelsea to Nice and then to Luton, believing the player's substantial talent deserved a different path. Barkley acknowledged that certain decisions, particularly those made outside of football, might have influenced his career direction.
"I could have done things differently," he admitted, "but I feel everything's made me become a better person." Despite the winding road, Barkley cherishes his debut for Everton and his England cap as dream achievements.
The Trophy Ambition
Now firmly established back in top-flight football, Barkley's focus has shifted to creating new memories with Aston Villa. The club last won silverware in March 1996 when they defeated Leeds United in the League Cup final - a time when Barkley was just two years old.
"Now, I'd like to win a trophy at Villa," he declared, "because the manager's time at the club deserves it, and the team deserve to play in the final and win a trophy."
His personal transformation and renewed dedication position him as a key figure in Villa's pursuit of ending their nearly three-decade trophy drought, combining his refined approach to professional football with the raw talent that once made him one of England's most promising prospects.
