Gareth Barry has revealed that a fear of 'going stale' prompted his move to Manchester City.
In an open letter to Villa fans published in the Birmingham Evening Mail, Barry writes...
After all the speculation over the last 12 months, I want the chance to explain my decision to the Villa fans.
Firstly I want to thank them for the incredible support I have received over the last 12 years, this football club has been a huge part of my life, I joined as a 16-year-old boy and now I am moving on as a 28-year-old man with a wife and two children.
A lot of things have changed in that time, players, management and a chairman - but every season bar none, whether we have been bottom half, mid table or challenging for Europe, the support myself and the team have received has been fantastic.
My one huge regret is that during my time at this club we have not brought the fans the success they deserve. I obviously have to take my share of responsibility that we have not been good enough to win trophies.
I feel the club is in the best position it has been in during my time here, I think we have a group of very good young players, we have a fantastic chairman who is here for the good of the club and one of the best managers in the game.
Obviously people will ask why I am leaving if I feel like that.
I have honestly been very undecided what to do, the manager and the whole club have bent over backwards to try and persuade me to stay and made me a fantastic offer which I am extremely grateful for.
But, after changing my mind lots of times, I came to the decision that the time was right for me and for the club to part company. I need a new challenge, I have a massive fear of going stale and falling into a comfort zone.
I believe the deal is a good one for the club, I am sure the manager will use the money well to strengthen the team and the club will go from strength to strength.
I am also excited now about my new challenge, a lot of people will question my decision to join Manchester City, but they were the club prepared to meet the valuation, which for a 28-year-old with a year left on his contract I think shows how much they wanted me.
Once I had spoke to Mark Hughes there was nowhere else I wanted to go, I was also desperate to avoid any long drawn out saga.
I feel I am joining a club that will seriously challenge to win major honours. People might doubt that, but I am convinced with the plans the club has short term and long term.
The backing the manager will receive from the owners tells me that we will be a major force.
Also the World Cup next year has always been a major part of my thinking. I feel at Manchester City I will get the chance to play regularly in my best position and play a big part in a successful side.
Time will tell if I am right or not, but those are my reasons.
I have grown bored of all the speculation surrounding me over the last 12 months and I am sure all the fans have as well, I am glad I never left last summer because I would have left under a huge cloud.
This year I feel things are different, I haven't used an agent. I have discussed things with my best friend (agent Michael Standing) but ultimately made my own choices.
I believe the situation has been handled properly by everybody involved. Once again I have to thank the manager and the club for that.
I genuinely wish the club all the best for the future and want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me in my time here.
For the rest of my life Aston Villa will be the first result I look for.
Thanks for everything.
Gareth Barry.
Your Comments
the_double_m
"A message to all disgruntled Villa fans.....At least he wrote you a letter!"
King_Kenny
"Fair comment leftfeet"
leftfeet
"tired of football fans talking about lack of loyalt from players. How come if you are a mediocre footballer but determined and you are in the reserves of a big team. That team can sell on onto a poxxy team or terminate you contract yet you want to play for them. Or you could be a player who is good in a mediocre team and a greedy club decides to sell you to Madrid or Barcelona. Are these clubs loyal to the players? No there are taking care of the club coffers...so why can't the players do the same.
If Barry's form was to dip at Villa most supporters wont complain if he is off loaded to a conference club. So shut up and put up!!!"
wildheart79
"Max.
I think you hit the nail on the head with your comment. "If Mark Hughes is given enough time" Sadly though, I dont think he will. I respected Hughes as a player and I respect what he has done as a manager but I do not believe he is in the same mould as someone like Ancleotti/Fergie/Wenger. Bringing in that many big name players over a short period of time is always going to be tricky, getting them to gel right from the start of the season will be near impossible and we all know that if you get off to a bad start in the league, its very hard to catch up once you are past the end of September. Can you really see the "superstars" sticking around after 1 season if the club hasnt got CL football. It will be mass immigration followed by a mass exodus at the end of the season ( and Hughes will go by Christmas )"
phewson
"I wonder how long it will take for Barry to kiss the badge of his new team, Man "I am not here for the money" Citeh."
savillan
"I still believe he's gone backwards. In the long term City should realise great success, but time is not on Barry's side. That said, no hard feelings for the man. He's been a great servant to the club, and deserves his own success in the future. Good on ya lad, and I really hope to see you don the Three Lions in my home country next year..."
Shinkicker
"Okay, how can I say this politely without irking too many halfwit fans? Footballers leave teams for MONEY because it is the BEST DECISION for them and their families, given that for the vast majority of footballers they have have a SHORT CAREER. It is not unusual in today's game--it is the frakkin' NORM! Players are not loyal anymore. It is the fans who are loyal. That is just the way it is in the modern game. Yes, it is a shame, but it is really, really BORING to hear fans whine on about a player who leaves a team. Barry gets more money and a better chance of winning something. Villa got a good deal! Use the money wisely and move on. If you really have to, you can boo him next time you see him... "
arsepirate1990
"realy disapointed in barry he should have waited until pool arsenal r even man utd 2 come in for him... 28 years old in his prime and off to manchester city tut tut money talks i suppose"
kevoface
"I'm glad he's gone.Playing for England seems to have given him an inflated opinion of himself that wasn't there before and I think Villa are a relatively ego-less team,which is a factor in why a lot of people have grown to like them.Had he left for Liverpool or Arsenal I would have wished him well.Jesus,if he'd even left for Spurs who he supported as a boy I would have been sickened but I would have understood.To join a team who have not even qualified for Europe this season and only qualified last season through fair play is questionable,very,very questionable.To join a team who's manager,for all his scowling and tough talk has never won anything as a manager and in his time as Wales manager never got them to a major tournament is stupid on his part.If Hughes fails next season,he's gone.For every pound he spends this summer,he is adding another tonne of pressure and expectation to succeed.In my opinion he is not up to it and for all the money City spend he will remain the weakest link.Villa can and will survive without him.We lost our real captain and leader this season and maybe Gareth should ask himself how good a job he himself did on taking over as captain again after Laursen's injury.Was his heart or his head in it once times started getting tough or did he always know things were coming to an end.Had they qualified for the Champions League,he would have taken the plaudits and declared his undying love for the club.They didn't so he left where the grass isn't necessarily greener but the money certainly is.The one thing I do agree with in Barry's letter is,yes Gareth,£12 million for a 28 year old in the last year of his contract is almost absurd so Villa have gotten a great deal.You're good pal but you're not that good.Also Gareth,if you're reading this you might tell Stephen Ireland his country called and they were wondering how his granny is."
Lucas04
"indi_Manc ... you call someone a tool, wondering if their sole purpose is to wind up Man U fans...
...but happily decree that, if Man City break into the Top 4, it'll probably be at Liverpool's expense - the team who pushed you all the way this season, and will be just as strong next.
My question: are all Man U fans contradicting tools themselves, or just you?
I'm sure there are plenty of decent Man U supporters in the world, like any other club, but this website seems to draw out all the d*cks."
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