Gareth Barry: Retired

[SheffieldVillain]

When I first witnessed Gareth Barry's ability as a teenager I couldn't believe what I was seeing. He had unbelievable composure and awareness, qualities that are only the right of special players, and he had these as a 16 year old!

He was a wonderful footballer.

Still one of the best debuts I've seen for Villa, as you say just so composed.

[SoccerHQ]

I like how it's spun in the media

"Former England and Man city star retires......."

Great servant of the club and a pillar of respect as a long serving player in the top flight. 2 minor indescretions aside (early years DD and even worse playing for the bitters) a very decent role model pro

BBC news had the story of him retiring with a picture of him in the Villa acorns kit.

[Somniloquism]

When I first witnessed Gareth Barry's ability as a teenager I couldn't believe what I was seeing. He had unbelievable composure and awareness, qualities that are only the right of special players, and he had these as a 16 year old!

He was a wonderful footballer.

I believe Barry and Lampard were the u21 Midfield partnership at the time and to think, we were close to having them at ours.

[The Edge]

We gave him his big break in football. He repaid us with 10 years of exemplary service and he is in the all time top ten appearances for us. Made his England debut while representing Villa. Not quite a legend but he deserves to be remembered as a top player for us. I wish him all the best and thank him for playing his part in some memorable occasions.

[LeeB]

Very good player - remember his debut v Champions, didn't look the slightest bit of place

Ugo alert, Ugo alert....

His debut was the week before at Sheff Wed.

[RamboandBruno]

Quality player in a decent period of villas history

[Brend'Watkins]

I was at his debut V Sheff Wed.  I was convinced he was Welsh.

Cracking player for us and easily one of our best in the last 25 years or more.

[Rory]

We gave him his big break in football. He repaid us with 10 years of exemplary service and he is in the all time top ten appearances for us. Made his England debut while representing Villa. Not quite a legend but he deserves to be remembered as a top player for us. I wish him all the best and thank him for playing his part in some memorable occasions.

Sums up how I feel as well. 'Legend' status requires a strong emotional bond that I'm not sure Barry ever had, but he was a superb player and absolutely deserves to be remembered as one of our best.

[Legion]

Quality player. I loved his time with us.

[Mister E]

He gave us the best 11 years of his career. He could hit a pass, had a lovely shot on him and was hard as nails.
He'd be in my all-time favourites 11 top twenty!

[LeeB]

I was at his debut V Sheff Wed.  I was convinced he was Welsh.

Cracking player for us and easily one of our best in the last 25 years or more.

Me too, probably the biggest we've took since it's been seated, we were up in that corner bit that's never open.

[Rudy65]

Wand of a left foot. One of my favourites over the last 45 years

[Meanwood Villa]

He was at his best as the midfield linchpin he became in his later years with us, especially under O'Neill. Quality player.

[PaulWinch again]

Fine player. Had a really good career.

[WilliamStanding]

Fcuk me makes me feel old, I was only 17 myself when I was at that Sheff Wednesday away game last day of the season and it was wow who’s this kid who is playing like he was 28 wii Ugo and Southgate.