But the man once tipped to be captain of England has insisted he was the first player to indicate his willingness to stay and help Newcastle United fight their way back into the Premiership after relegation.
Mind you ... his contribution has been limited ... but allegedly due to no fault of his own, and he insists he has put every effort into a return to action.
United players held their own post-match inquest after the pre-season game at Leyton Orient and senior stars questioned the intentions of each and every individual.
Seb Bassong, Oba Martins and Habib Beye left ... because there were offers on the table ... while not one single club asked about Barton.
Yes he has stayed, but nobody wanted him!
Mike Ashley even tried to GIVE him away during Barton's spell in prison but the closest he got was an offer from Bolton to pay him £20,000 a week.
Barton refused unless Newcastle paid up his contract (over THREE YEARS) at £60,000 per week.
But Barton is back telling us he is a changed man; butter wouldn't melt in his mouth; he's ready to return to action; and he's just a little pussy cat really.
Joety Barton: “I love it here and want to stay for a long time, the fans have been great with me.
“We had a well-documented chat at Leyton Orient and we asked who wanted to stay.
“My hand went straight up. I wanted to help get the team back up.
“For me now, I need to prove my fitness and get back on the right track.
“I have to walk before I can run.
“It would be great to walk back in there but I have to be realistic, my aim is to get in the team.
“It’s been tough for me, it is hard when you are injured. You are working alone and away from the lads.
“In fact, it can be harder when you are injured then when you are playing, but that’s football.
“It’s hard when you are watching everybody else train and you are in the gym.
“I came here to do well and challenge for honours and that’s still my intention.”
He came here because of £60,000 per week - something he INSISTED on getting even when he was locked up in the slammer - and that is STILL his intention!
Chris Hughton has developed an amazing team spirit amongst his boys ... let's see what happens when we have Barton back amongst them.