Joey Barton Would "Never, Ever, Ever" Sign For Sunderland

That's sorted that out then.

by Matt Smith

Joey Barton has been a free agent since his contract ended at Queens Park Rangers in June and has been recently linked with a number of Premier League sides.

The 32-year-old was expected to sign for West Ham earlier this week but talks broke down without any deal being finalised.

Hammers' chairman David Gold added further confirmation by writing on Twitter: "Despite the speculation, Joey Barton will not be joining West Ham United." The midfielder then took to Twitter himself and posted a video message that thanked the West Ham fans for their support and kind messages before wishing the club the best of luck in the future.

Barton continued to answer a number of fans' questions during a Q&A session on the social media platform and said he would be open to any move as he "just loves playing football."

Although when asked by one user if he would consider a move to Sunderland, he wrote:

"Not a chance mate. Never, ever, ever. Not after my 4 yrs on Tyneside."

The tweet opened up Barton to a tirade of abuse from Black Cats fans who have been antagonised by the former Newcastle United player ever since he signed for the club in 2007.

Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-accredited football writer with an MA in Sports Journalism. What Culture football editor. Write for the official Newcastle United programme. Former video reporter at North News. Featured and published in the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Mail Online, The Mirror, The Sun and others.