Gareth Barry: 'I'm not slowing down'

Gareth Barry has said that he he does not feel like he is "slowing down" despite turning 33 earlier this year.

The midfielder signed a three-year contract with Everton earlier this week following a loan spell from Manchester City at Goodison Park last season.

He told the club's website: "I felt really good last year and I didn't feel too old. It sometimes helps playing alongside younger players and we have a great group of them.

"You want to take each season at a time but I don't feel like I am slowing down. Me and James [McCarthy] had a great season in terms of staying fit, playing a lot of matches together and understanding each other's game.

"That was on the back of a last-minute decision to be brought in here, so I'm hopeful a full pre-season with the team can further improve myself, James and the whole squad together."

Barry played 32 matches in the Premier League for Everton last season, scoring three goals.