Ross Barkley Reveals Why He Originally Backed Out Of Chelsea Transfer

Remember when Ross Barkley was halfway through a run on a treadmill when he decided to hit the stop button and walk out on a medical at Chelsea? Well he's explained exactly why he did that (it didn't actually happen).

Back in the summer transfer window Ross Barkley seemed certain to leave Everton with either Spurs or Chelsea the destination that he'd end up at. Then on deadline day it looked like the Blues had won the battle.

The English midfielder was said to be at Chelsea having a medical. From there the details are a little sketchy with some suggesting he'd downed tools part way through to return to the north west.

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Of course Barkley was at the time injured and would only return to fitness in time to complete a January move to Chelsea, for less money than he would have moved for in the summer.

That led some to question whether his decision to pull out of the move initially had an ulterior and somewhat dodgy motive to it. But talking to Sky Sports he explained why he backed out, saying:

"At the time I couldn't even walk, I was in a brace for six weeks and couldn't put any pressure through my legs so I didn't feel it was right to make a move at the time. I wanted to weigh up all my options and really think about what I am going to do with the next stage of my career."

"After a few days I was having surgery in London and my future was all up in the air and I thought it was best to focus on getting fit, which took a while, and then I thought this was the right move for me."

Barkley didn't play for Everton this season before moving on. Image: PA Images.

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On leaving Everton he added, "Everton means the world to me. I am a boyhood fan, I am a local lad and have supported Everton all my life, it was a very hard decision but I felt it was right to make the jump to Chelsea. I am grateful for what the club did for me over the years and it was hard to leave. The fans were great with me."

The 24 year old made his first appearance off the bench in Chelsea's win over Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

Topics: Football News, Chelsea, Ross Barkley, Premier League, Everton

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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