Barry hits back at Benitez over transfer
choice
Gareth Barry has accused Rafa Benitez of a lack of respect after
the Liverpool manager questioned the motives behind his move to
Manchester City.
Barry chose Hughes over Rafa.
Barry had previously claimed he was eager to play UEFA Champions
League football, but City will have no involvement in continental
competition this year, which led to Benitez suggesting his decision
was purely financial.
"I found Rafa Benitez's comments a bit disrespectful," Barry told
the Daily Telegraph. "By that stage my decision was made and people
should move on. There was genuine interest from Liverpool and I
think he's probably just upset I chose City.
"I've been in the Premier League for 10 years, more, and the money
I've been paid is phenomenal compared to your average, everyday
working man. You live and work away from normal life anyway, so
money's not a big factor.
"The difference was that City made me feel wanted. Liverpool had a
chance to buy me last season but failed to pay the money, and only
found it this year when they knew someone else had reached an
agreement."
Barry admitted the collapse of his proposed move to Anfield last
summer made his return to Villa Park a trying time and accused the
Reds of making 'excuses' over their failure to complete the
deal.
He added: "There was a feeling of being let down. Excuses were made
about things going on behind the scenes and in the boardroom, but I
came out of it looking like a bad person.
"It took a long time for me to get back into the squad at Villa
afterwards. It was tough to deal with.
"That's why there's nothing better than a club making you feel
wanted and getting a deal done in days.
"It's not about money, it's about the chance to be part of
something big from the very beginning at a club who really want
you."