Overview
- The Aston Villa midfielder says he has been teetotal since the summer and plans to stay alcohol-free throughout his career, speaking in an interview with The Athletic.
- He says previous drinking 'created situations' he wants to avoid and that not drinking leaves him clear-minded each day.
- Barkley credits therapy and sessions with a sports psychologist for helping him reflect, manage his mental health, and change habits.
- Excused for a personal issue in August and September, he rejoined Unai Emery’s squad in October, has made several appearances, and scored in a 4-0 win over Bournemouth.
- He acknowledged past, widely reported alcohol-related incidents and recalled a Frank Lampard sanction at Chelsea that followed being filmed on a night out.