It’s not the first time that there’s been a statement issued to the Aston Villa faithful over a move away from Villa Park, but Gareth Barry has taken it upon himself to let the fans know exactly why he’s leaving for Manchester City.
Via TheGaurdian
The apology, published in the Birmingham Mail, is seen as an attempt to repair the damage he has done to his reputation by making a lucrative £100,000-a-week switch to a club that have failed to qualify for Europe next season. The midfielder spent 12 years at Villa Park before the move, and last summer spoke of his desire to sign for Liverpool to play Champions League football.
In the apology, Barry writes: “Once I had spoken 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, and the backing the manager will receive from the owners, that we will be a major force.”
Barry also writes of his “huge regret” that Villa have failed to win trophies during his time there, and how difficult he found the decision to leave.
“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.”
He added that playing at Manchester City will give him the best chance to secure a spot in England’s 2010 World Cup team.
“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.”
Barry’s letter concludes: “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.”
Image via TopNews
