Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley has made the decisive choice to eliminate alcohol from his life for the remainder of his professional football career. The former England international has candidly discussed how drinking led to regrettable situations, including a specific incident at Chelsea that resulted in a memorable punishment from then-manager Frank Lampard.
The Turning Point: A Harsh Lesson from Lampard
Barkley's journey to becoming teetotal was spurred by a series of events where alcohol negatively impacted his career. He admits that drinking created situations I don't really want happening, acknowledging that his mindset is now far clearer without it.
One particular episode stands out. After a drinking session in Liverpool on a Sunday, ahead of a midweek game, Barkley was filmed and the footage subsequently appeared in the newspapers. This forced a confrontation with his manager at the time, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.
Lampard offered the player some seasoned advice, telling him to learn from the mistake and be more selective about when to socialise. However, the manager also felt a disciplinary measure was necessary.
The punishment was that Barkley had to travel with the Chelsea squad to France for an away Champions League fixture against Lille. Despite making the journey, he was not named in the matchday squad. Instead, he was forced to watch the entire game in isolation, viewing it from the team coach parked away from the group.
Reflection and Reform: Therapy and New Responsibilities
Now a father, Barkley states he has more responsibilities and has taken significant steps to address his past behaviour. The one-time Everton wonderkid, whose early promise saw him tipped for the very top, saw his progress stall during this period.
In a proactive move to understand and learn from his experiences, Barkley has sought professional help. He has spoken with a sports psychologist and engaged in therapy throughout his career, which he has found to be highly beneficial.
He advocates for open discussion about mental health, emphasising that it's good to talk to people and that everyone faces challenges in life. This reflective process has been integral to his personal and professional growth.
A Career Reborn at Aston Villa
Barkley is currently enjoying a resurgence in his career during his second spell at Aston Villa. After his time at Chelsea, he had a loan period at Villa, a season in France with Lille, and a stint at Luton Town.
His impressive performances prompted Unai Emery to bring him back to Villa Park, where he has become a key figure in the team. By turning his back on alcohol, Barkley is determined to maximise his potential and extend his career at the highest level for as long as possible.
