Wednesday 2 September 2015 08:47, UK
Burnley's new signing Joey Barton has described the chance for Premier League clubs to have signed him on a free transfer as a "no-brainer".
The 32-year-old midfielder was a free agent following his release by QPR at the end of last season when they were relegated, alongside the Clarets, from the Premier League.
One-time England cap Barton was linked with West Ham before moving to the North West and is adamant he still has what it takes to cut it in the top flight.
He said: "The reason I left QPR was to play in the Premier League. I felt I did well enough last year in a struggling side to earn another crack in that league. I think my passing ability is good enough to cope in that league. My physical output is good enough.
"That gets lost with me from time to time because people start worrying about the baggage and how you'll contribute to the group and how you'll react if you're not playing, which is lazy on their behalf. That's how I see it.
"I think if you're a Premier League club, anyone from 10th downwards, and you had the opportunity to take me on a free transfer it's an absolute no-brainer."
Barton spent four years at Loftus Road and claims he had to compensate for some players and staff at the club. As a consequence, the midfielder was not enjoying playing football.
He said: "It would have been an absolute fluke for us to have stayed in the league. I just thought I can't be part of this again. I've been here [Burnley] for just two days but I am really enjoying coming to work again for the first time in ages.
"The stresses of having to compensate for players or staff is a nightmare. As a senior player it is a really steep learning curve that you get, but you just want to concentrate on playing.
"It's probably a better fit for me here. It's not Premier League football, which I wanted, but the aim is to be there quickly."
