Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley believes his form this season and return to prominence on the international stage has justified his decision to leave Everton.
Barkley departed Everton in January last year in a transfer that led to criticism from supporters of his boyhood club and neutrals, who questioned whether he would be given the opportunity to continue his development at Stamford Bridge.
However, Barkley has featured regularly for both club and country this season and scored his first international goals since 2015 as England thrashed Montenegro on Monday night.
“Yes, exactly,” Barkley responded when asked if he needed the move.
“I am away from my family and down in London by myself. I am in a totally different environment from Liverpool. I miss being with my family, it is totally different. It is how I am maturing as a person and a player. It is good.”
“Since I made the move it was good to challenge myself and win trophies and to improve as a player. I’ve changed compared to when I was 18, 19 or 20. My diet is much better. My approach to games is much better and I am going into them with the right preparation and I am more relaxed, rather than think about things too much.”