Football: Starting with managing Manchester United

Barry's return sparked a wave of nostalgia in Birmingham.

For Aston Villa fans, Bari holds a very important place in their memories.

Barry gradually found its rhythm after the turn of the millennium.

Consistent playing time, a core tactical role, and Barry's early debut.

These three factors combined.

Breaking the record was a natural outcome.

Therefore, Barry's last glorious moment for Villa fans was becoming the youngest player to reach 300 Premier League appearances.

After that.

Bari has attracted the attention of other top clubs.

At the time, Rafael Benitez, who was Liverpool manager, even considered replacing Xabi Alonso with Barry.

Actually, the club was willing to let him go at the time.

Because Barry dedicated his youth to them, but Liverpool's offer was around 1500 million, while Aston Villa wanted 1800 million.

Neither side was willing to compromise, leading to a stalemate in the transfer negotiations.

Barry stepped forward and told the club that he wanted to play for Liverpool.

The player's intentions are so obvious.

Liverpool just need to raise their offer slightly.

Barry's arrival at Anfield is almost a certainty.

However, Liverpool refused to raise their offer, which ultimately led to the deal falling through.

Whose fault is it?

It's so complicated that it's impossible to judge. All we can say is that from each person's perspective, it's all someone else's fault.

......

The Birmingham Daily ran a special column on its front page the following day:

The 90s are filled with fond memories for England fans.

When this era is mentioned, everyone will think of Shiller, Gascoigne, Fowler, Ince, Adams, and McManaman.

And after 1996.

Also included are Beckham, the Neville brothers, Scholes, Owen, and Gerrard.

However, there was another person who also squeezed into the ranks of those illustrious names.

Although he was inconspicuous.

He is the protagonist of this article—Gareth Barry.

In the 1997-98 season, the focus of all of England was on that young, lightning-fast player from Liverpool. He moved like lightning through the opponent's defense, outmaneuvering established defenders and breaking through the defenses of seasoned goalkeepers time and time again.

At the age of 18.

Michael Irving is already a world-class shooter.

However, it was also in that season, in the penultimate round of the competition, that Aston Villa played against Sheffield Wednesday. A 17-year-old wearing Villa's number 24 jersey was substituted on in the 49th minute to play as a left-back.

Sheffield Wednesday forwards Di Canio and Benny Carbone thought this would be their chance to score.

But they soon discovered that this 16-year-old was frighteningly mature.

Against his defense.

The two Italian strikers failed to create any opportunities.

A week later, Villa faced Arsenal, and just 24 minutes into the game, Villa center-back Ehiogu was sent off with a red card.

But after that.

Arsenal forwards Anelka and Ian Wright were surprised to find that even without Ehiogu...

But the opponent's lineup includes the formidable Southgate.

Surprisingly, there's another player with a youthful appearance but seasoned skills.

Under the defense of these two "Gares".

The two players, who should have easily scored, failed to net a goal.

Arsenal ultimately lost the game at Villa Park despite having a one-man advantage.

It was from this time that...

The name Barry began to be known.

The following 1998-99 season was a sweet one for Barry.

The new season has just begun.

He shocked the football world with his continuous outstanding performances.

Barry, who successfully neutralized Hasselbaink after the match against Leeds United, was dubbed the "young version" of Bobby Moore, demonstrating the high regard and expectations placed on him.

Villa immediately secured Barry with a contract that paid him £1 a week.

He was later interviewed by a reporter.

Two years ago, when Barry was still playing for Brighton's youth team, he was scouted by Arsenal and Chelsea.

Why not marry into a wealthy family?

However, this young player, born in Hastings and who became a Tottenham fan as a teenager because of Gascoigne, only wanted to play for Aston Villa at that time.

"I never thought about going to Arsenal or Chelsea. The clubs in London are great, but I only ever wanted to play for Aston Villa."

An article was written that brought tears to the eyes of Aston Villa fans.

At the end of the article.

2012 9 Month 25 Day.

Manchester City hosted Aston Villa, with Barry starting in the starting lineup.

However, in the 58th minute of the match, Barry scored an own goal, "helping" Villa equalize.

It was this own goal that changed the course of the game.

After that, both sides scored a goal each, leading to extra time.

In extra time, Aston Villa scored two goals, knocking Barry and his Manchester City team out of the League Cup.

The League Cup exit foreshadowed Manchester City's fruitless season.

Barry looked quite helpless after scoring an own goal. This was the second own goal of his career, and the second time he had lost a game because of his own goal.

What's more, they lost to their former employer, with whom they had both love and hate.

Our article is nearing its end, but Barry's story is clearly not over yet.

Welcome Gareth, welcome home, and best of luck in the new season.

......

Barry sat in Zhang Yang's newly acquired Land Rover Freelander, putting away the newspaper that had been on the passenger seat. "Zhang, can you stop doing this all the time? It's easy to get sentimental as you get older, and you're always doing this."

Barry's words were filled with utter helplessness.

"Tsk, I just wanted to let you know how much Villa fans love you, didn't I?"

Zhang Yang stopped the car with a smile as he spoke, and gestured with his chin toward the entrance of the base.

"This is Sarah."

Zhang Yang said to turn off the engine.

The deep roar of the Land Rover diesel engine quickly disappeared.

Barry looked in the direction Zhang Yang was pointing.

There stood a beautiful little girl with a head full of blonde hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a Villa number six jersey.

He could tell that the jersey was old.

It's just a bit big.

However, the oversized jersey actually looked quite good on the eleven-year-old girl.

"Zhang! Zhang!"

Sarah waved her little hand excitedly when she saw the ostentatious Land Rover.

Suddenly, something else came to mind.

He grabbed the paper next to him and jogged over.

"Hey, I told you I never lie. Go check on your little fans."

Zhang Yang noticed that Barry's body was a bit stiff.

Logically speaking, they've been players for so many years, how come they still can't control their emotions?

Sarah greeted Zhang Yang with a "Good morning" first, then looked at Barry with her clear, bright eyes.

Zhang Yang suppressed a laugh.

Hehe, he couldn't hold on back then, he didn't believe Barry could tough it out.

"Mr. Barry! This is a drawing I did when I was a child. It's for you!" Sarah held up the paper with both hands and handed it to Barry.

Zhang Yang glanced at him sideways.

This is an oil pastel painting.

Although it's clear that it was carefully preserved, the pigments have oxidized and faded, and the edges of the paper have become rough.

But right.

The faded colors, on the contrary, evoke a sense of warmth and carry the unique sincerity of children.

In the center of the image is a player wearing an Aston Villa burgundy jersey.

The number was deliberately drawn out in bold and conspicuous strokes.

The player stood on a patch of green grass that was completely covered with paint, with a crooked white soccer ball at his feet.

He slightly opened his arms, as if celebrating, or as if embracing the entire stadium.

Children don't understand what the most beautiful proportions are.

All I know is to draw what I like best.

The stands of the stadium were filled with countless tiny, colorful dots.

This is the fanbase Sara imagines cheering for him.

Sure enough, Zhang Yang smiled when he saw Barry, and the corners of his mouth curled up uncontrollably.

"That's a beautiful drawing, Sarah."

Barry said softly, "This is one of the best gifts I've ever received."

Zhang Yang muttered a couple of sentences to himself.

You have to play the emotional card when dealing with old guys.

But why do I suddenly feel a tiny bit envious?