Barton reveals new image

JOEY BARTON has revealed he has not had an alcoholic drink since being sent home in disgrace from Manchester City’s pre-season tour of Thailand.

The 23-year-old contract rebel believes his life has changed for the better after undergoing a programme of rehabilitation at Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic.

Barton was banished from the tour after allegedly lashing out at a 15-year-old Everton fan and then team-mate Richard Dunne.

Barton said: “The thing with me was not how much I was drinking but I would get into trouble when I had a drink. I realised that as a professional player you have to make the most of what you have got and give it 100%.

“For that reason I have not had a drink since being sent home from Thailand. It is not where I want to go with my life.

“Of course I have been tempted. It makes your forget your problems. But that would be the easy way.

“You wake up the next day with a massive headache and the same problems.”

Barton, who was also fined £60,000 by the club after poking former team-mate Jamie Tandy in the eye with a lit cigar in a previous incident, baulked at the thought of going to Sporting Chance.

But now he has nothing but praise for the way they helped him.

“My first reaction was that I was not mad and that I could deal with it myself,” said Barton.

“I was expecting to see people in straight jackets and Jack Nicholson to come in like a scene from the film ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest’.

“But when I came away from the place I felt as though I had left a bag full of worries down there. I think that has shown on the pitch this season.”

Barton intends to resolve his contract dispute this week and insists he is committed to remaining at Eastlands.

He stunned City by handing in a transfer request last week, which was turned down.

He now admits he may have been headstrong but insists his unhappiness at the failure of the contract talks to develop prompted his decision to request a move.

The move brought a backlash from fans but now Barton is set on agreeing a new deal so he can focus on matters on the field.

“All I know is talks have started or are due to start again very shortly,” he said.

“Hopefully the matter can be resolved this week and I can get back to what I do best and that is perform and play football.

“In hindsight, maybe I was impetuous, but I handed in a transfer request and the club rejected it so as far as I am concerned it is not my aim to leave the football club in the near future.

“Hopefully we can get this matter resolved before the next game.”