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.