Gareth Barry: 'I turned down several clubs to join Everton'

Gareth Barry has said that he rejected offers from several other clubs ahead of his move to Everton this summer.

The midfielder was available on a free transfer after coming to the end of his contract at Manchester City, but chose to head back to the Toffees after a loan spell there last season.

The 33-year-old told The Telegraph: "America was an option and there was a conversation about it but when I spoke to the coaches here they said, 'If you are going there, you are retiring'.

"I am sure I would have enjoyed it and there was a strong argument to go, but with the season we had at Everton last year I decided I was not ready to move and the club offered me a three-year contract which showed the faith they had in me.

"There was interest from three or four Premier League teams and a couple from abroad but I was happy here. While I could still play in the Premier League I really did not want to go abroad. I was not thinking about winding down my career."

Barry made 32 league appearances for Everton last season, and has featured in every Premier League game so far this campaign.