Overview
- The Aston Villa midfielder said he has not drunk since the summer and plans to avoid alcohol throughout his career in an interview with The Athletic.
- He described therapy and work with a sports psychologist as helpful for addressing mistakes, mental health and confidence.
- Barkley recalled a Chelsea-era sanction from Frank Lampard that required him to travel to Lille but watch the match from the team coach after a night out was publicised.
- He has returned to Unai Emery’s squad, scoring in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Bournemouth after time out earlier this season for a club-described personal issue.
- He acknowledged past high-profile alcohol-related incidents, including a Dubai nightclub video, a taxi dispute and a 2021 altercation at The May Fair Hotel.