Quotes from Gareth Barry

Sometimes you want to experience life, but ultimately, you've got to make sacrifices and choose the right road.

That's one thing that's been aimed at me since I was 17: a lack of pace.

When I started my career, we were running around water parks and ridiculous things like that. You used to drive in dreading pre-season back then, but now you know it's going to be pretty tough, but it's going to be probably what you need. It's going to be good for you instead of just slogging away.

Both Everton and City have fantastic sets of fans who really get behind the players.

After Euro 2008, football in England was shattered for a bit, and people were losing interest in following England.

I have always said that management is not something I fancied, but it's suddenly, naturally started to enter my head.

I'm delighted to be joining City. It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes; they are heading in the direction I want to go. There is great potential here.

In 2012, we had just won the league with City, and I was really high on confidence going into the Euros when I picked up an injury, which meant I couldn't go.

I obviously think I should always be picked. Every player thinks he's good enough to be playing every week.

Having been around, I know how difficult it is to get results in this league. It doesn't just happen by buying players. It needs a lot of hard work.

Playing away is always tough in the Champions League.

You do hear a lot about 'player power,' but I'm one of those who believes the manager is there to take control, to be in charge.

David Silva at Man City was my favourite player to play with; we had a good understanding on the pitch.

When you play a lot of games in a row, and you come off the pitch thinking, 'I can't do this no more,' then it is time to look at something else, whether you have six months left on your contract or four years.

One of my strengths is focusing on football, and even in the summer, I try not to switch off too much.

Defensive midfield can be the one position that's easier to play as you get older.

Playing until I'm 40 is definitely a possibility.

I used to say I preferred midfield because I enjoy trying to make goals, and scoring is a buzz.

To play in the Premier League again would be amazing.

My head has just been all about wanting to play regular football in the Premier League.

It's why the Premier League is watched so much all over the world: because it has more pace and more physicality than in any other league.

Martin O'Neill has definitely got the best out of me.

Against Chelsea, you will have periods in the game when you are right up against it, when they keep the ball. They are pretty solid the way they set their team up.

The England manager didn't think I was good enough, and as a professional, you have to take it. Sure, it was disappointing, but all you can do is carry on playing well for your club and hope it changes. Unfortunately, it didn't.