Gareth Barry has said that he he does not feel like he is "slowing down" despite turning 33 earlier this year.
The midfielder signed a three-year contract with Everton earlier this week following a loan spell from Manchester City at Goodison Park last season.
He told the club's website: "I felt really good last year and I didn't feel too old. It sometimes helps playing alongside younger players and we have a great group of them.
"You want to take each season at a time but I don't feel like I am slowing down. Me and James [McCarthy] had a great season in terms of staying fit, playing a lot of matches together and understanding each other's game.
"That was on the back of a last-minute decision to be brought in here, so I'm hopeful a full pre-season with the team can further improve myself, James and the whole squad together."
Barry played 32 matches in the Premier League for Everton last season, scoring three goals.
Sian Cowper
