Gareth Barry hails West Brom medic marvels
Gareth Barry says he is hugely thankful to Albion’s medical staff who worked tirelessly so he could continue playing.
The midfielder underwent surgery on a knee injury towards the end of last season – with that operation potentially ending the 38-year-old’s career.
Barry was actually released by the Baggies at the end of the 2018/19 campaign. But head coach Slaven Bilic told him he would get a new deal if he could prove his fitness.
And the former England international revealed the club’s medical staff did absolutely everything they could to get him fit and back out on the grass.
“I have a lot to thank the Albion medical staff for,” Barry said. “I was out of contract but they still worked tirelessly. There were a lot of sessions over the summer when they could have been on holiday.
“A lot of work went into getting me right and there was a lot of pain in my knee so the thought of retiring comes into your head.
“Thankfully that pain has gone and I’m in a position where I am feeling good.
“You need reassurance sometimes from lots of different people.
“You have to be patient but if you work hard then the rewards will come. I’m happy to have come out the other side.”
Barry, who could feature against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday with Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers suspended, said at his age retirement would have been the easy option following his operation.
But he said from the moment he went under the knife he knew he wanted to continue playing.
“I’ve come through a few tough challenges but I didn’t want to finish my career on an injury and I’m happy to have been able to get my fitness back.”
