"Switzerland was next on Barry's path after he had proven his talent in the Belgian second division at Beveren but it was not a smooth trajectory. Two stupid red cards in his first two appearances and failing to score in 16 Swiss league games left Barry needing to get away, so he headed to Africa and switched off his phone to enjoy the tranquillity of the Indian Ocean, a world away from football."
"I found it was not easy. With the pressure and everything, I lost my confidence, I lost the love to play football I lost everything. I saw some kids playing on the beach. My girlfriend said: Go and play with these kids.' I went and played and had a game. I was dribbling and just loved to touch the ball and when I came back to Basel I was like a different person."
Thierno Barry moved from a prolific spell in Belgium to a difficult period at Basel that eroded his confidence and enjoyment of football. He took time away on a Zanzibar beach, played with local children, and regained his love for the game before returning to Basel revitalized. Nine second-half goals attracted Villarreal, where 11 goals led to a 27m move to Merseyside. Barry endured a slow start in England but David Moyes maintained faith. Barry then scored four goals in five Premier League matches, helping Everton to 10th and mounting a push toward higher places.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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