'The fans called me a rat' - In-form Luton star Ross Barkley opens up on failed Chelsea transfer as he targets England return

Barkley returned to the England in the summer on a free transfer after being released by Ligue 1 side Nice after one season. The midfielder's last appearance in the competition had been as a Chelsea player during a tough four-year stint at Stamford Bridge. Barkley never managed to live up to expectations in west London and eventually saw his contract terminated by mutual consent. The 30-year-old has now spoken about his failed move and how Everton fans were furious when he left Merseyside for the Blues.

Barkley told The Times: “When I went back [to Merseyside] I used to get fans shouting from the cars, calling me names. I used to just laugh. Fans are passionate and if you’re one of them they feel you’ve let Everton down. They’d shout ‘money grabber’. The fans called me a ‘rat’.

“My mum stayed so she found it difficult. Whenever she’d go out people stopped and asked, ‘Why did he decide to leave?’ My mum’s tried to keep a low profile and just go about her business. That’s one thing she hated but within a year or two it settled, it was fine. Now, when I go back to the city, everyone’s got over it. The fans last year when I was on a free wanted me to go back.”

Barkley will be hoping he can resurrect his career at Luton and has quickly become a fan favourite at Kenilworth Road. The midfielder scored his first goal for the club in the narrow 4-3 defeat to Arsenal and has already established himself as a key player for Rob Edwards's side. Barkley also admitted he's hoping he can force his way into Gareth Southgate's thoughts: "I feel I’m good enough to play for England again," he said.

Luton and Barkley face a tough test next time out against an in-form Bournemouth side. It remains to be seen whether he can make a surprise return to the England squad, although he may feel optimistic about his chances with Jordan Henderson now playing in Saudi Arabia and Kalvin Phillips struggling for game time at Manchester City.