Gareth Barry: Everton told me I'd be 'retiring' if I went to MLS

Everton midfielder Gareth Barry revealed Friday why he turned down an opportunity to move to Major League Soccer to sign with his current club.

Everton midfielder Gareth Barry revealed Friday why he turned down an opportunity to move to Major League Soccer to stay with his current club, according to The Telegraph. 

Barry was on loan with Everton from Manchester City last season, and was released by City in May. He considered making the move to MLS and reportedly had great interest from upcoming expansion team New York City FC, but ultimately decided to sign a three-year deal with Everton.

• WILSON: Reality for Altidore at Sunderland

"America was an option and there was a conversation about it but when I spoke to the coaches here they said, 'If you are going there, you are retiring'," said Barry. "That was in my head. Obviously I did not agree it was retiring but I sort of agreed it would have been going to a league that is up and coming and not as big as the Premier League, so I could see their point."

Barry said he talked to his family about how going to America was appealing because it would allow him to learn to adapt to a new culture, but decided he was not ready to move after Everton offered the three-year contract. 

The 33-year-old was a member of England's national team from 2000-2012, accumulating 53 caps with them. 

In seven Premier League games this season, Barry has one assist. Last season, he had three goals and four assists in 32 Premier League games. 

•​ Manager Del Bosque will leave Spain helm after Euro 2016

Everton is 1-3-3 this season and in 17th place in the Premier League standings with six points. Everton finished in fifth place last season. 

- Molly Geary