Thierno Barry has penned a heartfelt farewell to Villarreal and their supporters following the confirmation of his transfer to Everton.
The French-born striker of Guinean descent sealed a €32.5 million move to the Premier League side earlier this week, ending his one-year spell in Spain.
Barry, 22, joined Villarreal from Swiss side FC Basel in 2023 and made a strong impression in his debut La Liga campaign, helping the Yellow Submarine qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
But as he prepares to begin a new chapter at Goodison Park, Barry took to social media to express his appreciation for the club and fans who embraced him.
“It has been an immense honour to have worn this shirt,” he wrote. “Thank you for the love you’ve given me since day one, with that beautiful memory of my first goal in the stadium. That’s what gave me the strength to go out and fight for you every weekend.”
Barry also paid tribute to his teammates and coaching staff for their role in his development both on and off the pitch. “Thanks to [the manager], I have progressed as a player and as a person, and now I even speak a little Spanish!”
Describing his time in Spain as “a crazy adventure,” Barry reflected on Villarreal’s successful campaign and wished the team well in their Champions League journey.
Now officially an Everton player, Barry will be expected to bolster the Toffees’ frontline ahead of the new season.
