Striker Thierno Barry has taken to social media to issue an emotional message to Everton's supporters
Thierno Barry has delivered an emotional message of thanks to Everton’s supporters. And the striker has explained the decision behind his online profile picture.
The France Under-21 international striker netted 19 goals last season – eight for Basel and then 11 for Villarreal – before completing a £27million transfer to the Blues in July. But he has yet to register in 13 outings for David Moyes’ men.
Barry came his closest yet to breaking his duck in the 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday as he had a first shot on target early on and then a goal disallowed for offside.
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His efforts were appreciated by the home crowd who rose en masse to give the Lyon-born player a standing ovation when he was substituted for Beto 12 minutes from the end.
And it clear Barry really appreciated their gesture. Taking to social media, he told his 138,000 Instagram followers: “There are things that mean more than goals.
“With my difficult start to the season without scoring, receiving an ovation from you today really warmed my heart and showed me that I’m on the right path.
“Once again, thank you so much!”
The 23-year-old also added a note about his choice of profile picture on the platform, which shows him looking glum on the bench at Sunderland last Monday after being substituted having earlier missed a sitter with a close-range chance at the back post from Jack Grealish’s cross.
Barry said: “PS regarding my profile picture, there’s absolutely no disrespect towards you, it’s just that I’m laughing at my own situation because it’s better to laugh than to cry and to stay positive, since the best is yet to come.”
Blues boss Moyes' addressed Barry's performance after the victory over Fulham.
He said: “I think all the Evertonians know that both players are looking for confidence and looking for support.
"I thought the crowd were brilliant for Barry today, but I think Barry also gave them something to shout about and believe in and he was rightly applauded coming off.
“And look, I don't think any of the Evertonians would question Beto for his work rate or his attitude because what he did really for us at the end of last season was amazing, scoring the goals he did and how he played.
"The supporters need a great deal of credit for that [their support] because we need those boys to keep their confidence up and while you're not scoring as a centre forward it's not an easy thing to do.”