Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley has revealed his main objective having now returned to the club, as well as a key incentive behind his decision to join us.
The 30-year-old enjoyed an impressive season at Luton Town last year, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 37 appearances, and he evidently caught the eye of Unai Emery and Villa with his fine form.
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Having rejoined the club after his loan spell with us in 2020, Barkley will look to make an important contribution to the current group with his experience and quality, as we look to compete across multiple fronts again in the upcoming campaign.
Villa are of course in a much stronger position now compared to where we were at four years ago, and Barkley has revealed that the opportunity to play in the Champions League was a big incentive for him to return, while he has insisted that winning a trophy is the main objective as it’s what all concerned are striving for.
“For me, and everyone else at the club and the fans, [the ambition] is to win a trophy,” he told VillaTV. “The club came so close last season and were unfortunate. With additions to the already great squad that we’ve got it’s going to be pivotal for the season. Hopefully we can win a trophy.
“Over the last few years the club has made huge strides since I was last at the club. As an outsider looking in, it looked fantastic, and to be a part of that is fantastic for me. Playing in the Champions League is a big incentive for me and the club, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Although it has been four years, there will still be a few familiar faces at the club from that time with John McGinn, Tyrone Mings and members of staff ready to welcome Barkley back, and it’s hoped that will help him settle in quickly as he prepares for pre-season.
With those who aren’t on international duty set to return to Bodymoor Heath next week, Barkley will hopefully be up to speed by then and ready to stake a serious claim for a starting berth in the side.
Nevertheless, given the number of games we’ll hopefully play this season, he’ll no doubt get chances to impress, and playing in front of the Villa fans, as a Villa player, is seemingly one of the things that he is most looking forward to, having been unable to do so in his previous stint.
“I know plenty of staff and I know plenty of the players as well,” he added. “I’m really close to John McGinn and I speak to him often, Ezri as well. I’m looking forward to getting back in. I’m in a week early now and staying on top of things. I’m looking forward to meeting everybody when they return.
“The last time I came, I didn’t play in front of the fans, so I’m looking forward to that.
“The atmosphere [at Villa Park] is great, so I’m looking forward to that as well as the Champions League nights. It’s been a long time since the club were in the Champions League, so it’s going to be a massive season.”
