Gareth Barry has left Everton to join West Brom for an undisclosed fee.
Former Aston Villa midfielder Barry, who has spent the past four years at Goodison Park, initially joining on loan from Manchester City, has joined West Brom on a one year deal.
Barry is closing in on the Premier League appearance record, which would have been expected as an Everton player, however, the veteran ex-England international will now break Ryan Giggs’ record; he will break this, as a West Brom player.
Having scored five goals in 154 appearances for Everton, initially arriving from Man City on a temporary basis in 2013, Barry departs with great memories from his time at Goodison and wishes the Blues well.
‘I’ve had four great years at Everton. The fans have been brilliant with me from the day I signed until the day I left. I’m proud that the Club will always be a big part of my career,’ Barry told the Official Website.
Adding: ‘There are too many people to thank but I’d like to mention a few of them – the Chairman, Bill Kenwright, Roberto Martinez who brought me to Goodison, Ronald Koeman whom I’ve enjoyed working with, the staff at the Club and some great teammates. And of course the fans. Look forward to seeing you all again.’
Rumours recently speculated an interest from the Blues’ Premier League rivals but that went quiet until Barry, 36, completed his switch to the Hawthorns on Tuesday. A move, in fairness, few would begrudge him if it’ll allow the midfielder regular football at West Brom.
