Former Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has shared just how legendary striker Duncan Ferguson looked after him both on and off the pitch on Merseyside.
There are constantly new stories emerging about Ferguson during his time at Everton, where he is still adored to this day.
David Moyes would love to have a striker like the Scot back up front for his side amid their ongoing struggles in front of goal.
Even Manchester United great Roy Keane was full of praise for Ferguson for how he conducted himself on the pitch despite his physicality.
This was a player who had the respect of his fellow teammates and opposition, and Barkley is another who holds him in high esteem.
And what the Everton legend did for a young Barkley during his early days in the Everton side will make a lot of fans laugh.
Aston Villa v Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Duncan Ferguson looked after Ross Barkley at Everton
In previous interviews, Ferguson admitted he could’ve done more for Wayne Rooney during his early spell at Finch Farm.
However, there can be no denying what he did for Barkley as he looked to make it into the first team.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Speaking to The Athletic, Barkley shared how the Scot would drive him home from training and sometimes even come in for a cup of tea.
“Once I got to a certain age, Everton would help financially with taxis and my coaches would drop me home after training,” said Barkley.
“One of my team-mates, John Lundstram, who’s now at Hull City, had his parents drop me back and forth. Duncan Ferguson also did it a few times and he’d even come in — it’d be 10pm and he’d be having a cup of tea with my mum.
“Dunc would come back late at night, so there wouldn’t be that many kids. He grew up on a council estate in Scotland, so he saw some similarities with me.”
Jamie Carragher urged Everton to re-sign Barkley following his recent stint at Luton Town during their spell in the Premier League.
Now playing his football under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, the 31-year-old is able to reflect on how his journey got started back at Finch Farm.
Ross Barkley’s Everton career stats
Harrison Armstrong is the youngest Everton player to provide two assists since Barkley was playing at Goodison Park for the Blues.
The now 31-year-old was a special talent who has since played for a number of other Premier League sides.
However, his best days were certainly spent on Merseyside.
Ross Barkley @ Everton Total
Appearances 179
Minutes 12,788
Goals 27
Assists 25
Last season, Barkley paid tribute to Goodison Park ahead of the move to the new state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Frustratingly, the midfielder was not involved in the Aston Villa squad for the trip to the new ground earlier this season.