Everton striker Thierno Barry has broken his silence after his home was burgled during the team's Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United, insisting the incident will not derail his season. His family were watching from the stands at Hill Dickinson Stadium as he scored his seventh goal of the campaign, while their property was being broken into.
Family's distress and appeal
Barry, 24, lives with his partner Charlene, who revealed the raid on her Instagram story in the early hours of Friday morning. Charlene, mother to their one-year-old child Alayna, wrote: "Unfortunately, our home was burgled this evening while we were at the football match."
"Thankfully, nobody was home at the time, but this is still an extremely distressing and violating experience for us and our family. If anyone has seen or heard anything suspicious, or has any information that could help, we would be incredibly grateful if you could get in touch."
"We are also willing to offer a financial reward for any information that helps identify those responsible. Thank you to everyone for your support."
Barry's defiant response
Barry addressed the incident in his own social media post on Friday evening, writing: "I took some time to write this so I wouldn't speak in the heat of the moment (something I learned from last season)."
"Honestly, regarding what happened during yesterday's match, all I can think about is that my family wasn't at home and could have been right there next to me at the stadium."
"Things could have been so much worse. I truly believe that nothing happens by chance."
"Maybe I've been too open about my family's life and mine, potentially putting them at risk, all just to show my lifestyle and inspire others through my journey and success, hoping to motivate them to do the same."
"My childhood was never easy, but I've always believed that when you give yourself the best possible chances, there is always hope."
"Unfortunately, in life, there are people and things beyond our control. This has been a lesson for me."
"The most important thing in life is to look after and protect the people you love. That's what truly matters. Everything else is just materialistic."
"And as I've been saying since the very beginning of the season, NOTHING and NO ONE will stop me from making this season MY season!"
Season form and next fixtures
Barry is already only one goal behind his tally of eight from last season. More than half of those strikes have arrived in the Carabao Cup, including a treble against Preston North End in the second round.
Barry's contribution to the scoreline ensured the Toffees progressed into the next round of the Carabao Cup, where they will travel to Premier League title-slayers Fleetwood Town. However, before then, the Blues lock horns with Newcastle United in the top flight on Monday.
