Ross Barkley has sworn off alcohol and vows to remain teetotal for the rest of his playing days after revealing how booze derailed his career. The Aston Villa midfielder has turned out for several top Premier League sides since emerging as a teenage sensation at Everton, including a stint at Chelsea.
Barkley featured for the Blues under various managers during a chapter of his life when he regularly drank. Reflecting on that period, he admits it “created situations I don’t really want happening” with his thinking now crystal clear. He remembered one particular incident where a boozing session in Liverpool turned sour and he was filmed, which subsequently landed him in the newspapers for all the wrong reasons.
Frank Lampard was occupying the Stamford Bridge dugout at the time and offered some heartfelt guidance, though Barkley still faced punishment for his behaviour.
The Blues icon advised him it was a valuable lesson to absorb, yet still forced him to travel to Lille for a Champions League encounter without even naming him in the matchday squad.
Instead, Barkley was compelled to observe the fixture separated from the rest of the team aboard the coach.
Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “A few times I went out, and if you drink too much, you do things you regret. I’d go out and have too much to drink, and then it would get back to the club. One time, I went out on a Sunday in Liverpool and we had a game on a Wednesday. I got videoed, and then it was in the paper.
“We (Chelsea) had an away game in France (against Lille) and Frank Lampard was the manager. He couldn’t really say too much to me, other than learn from it and pick and choose when the right time is to do it, because he knew what it was like as a young lad.
“But the punishment was that I travelled with the team, but I wasn’t on the bench. I had to watch the game on the coach. It was hard to take. That was one occasion that has probably created a perception.”
Barkley, now a father who insists he’s “got more responsibilities”, was expected to reach the pinnacle when he initially emerged onto the scene with Everton.
His development did stagnate but he’s been eager to contemplate and absorb lessons from his encounters, consulting with a therapist.
He revealed: “You make mistakes. It’s good to speak to people and learn from mistakes and understand that throughout life, there are going to be challenges. Sometimes people struggle with their mental health; it’s good to talk to people. I’ve spoken to people, and it’s helped me. I’ve spoken to a sports psychologist. I’ve had therapy throughout my career and it’s beneficial.”
Barkley is currently competing in his second spell at Villa Park.
He enjoyed a loan spell there before spending a year in France with Lille and subsequently returning home to feature at Luton.
Unai Emery then decided to welcome him back into the Villa setup.