Source: Telegraph
Richard Dunne 'hurt' by Manchester City exit
The former City captain has accused the club of undermining his nine years of service by the way in which they made it clear to him that he was no longer a valued member of the squad.[LNB]The defender, who signed for Villa on Tuesday afternoon for around £6 million, said that City added insult to injury by informing him that he would be sold if an appropriate offer was tabled — because the club needed the money.[LNB] Related ArticlesCurtis Davies out for VillaDunne targets Champions LeagueDunne completes Villa moveVilla conclude Dunne dealVilla thriving without Barry, says PetrovWest Ham sign Da Costa, sell Savio and CollinsDunne was saluted as the 'ultimate professional' who had 'conducted himself in an impressive manner throughout my time here' by Mark Hughes this week. The City manager explained that he had sanctioned Dunne's sale because he had felt it unfair to ask the defender to play second or third fiddle this season.[LNB]'It would have been difficult for him to stay given his standing at the club,' Hughes said. 'I wasn't going to stand in his way out of respect for what he has done for City.'[LNB]However, the Republic of Ireland international, City's player of the year for four years running, has suggested than rather than not standing in his way out of admiration, Hughes actively ushered him towards the Eastlands door. [LNB]'It was difficult,' the 29 year-old said. 'They made it quite clear they didn't want me there any more.' [LNB]Dunne had anticipated the cold shoulder once Joleon Lescott's move from Everton was confirmed, and he had approached Hughes seeking assurances that his contribution to the club was still valued. [LNB]Instead, he was told that if an acceptable bid was lodged it would be accepted, 'because [City] needed the money'.[LNB]'That was that really,' he added. 'I could have played in the reserves for the next three years. I'm not hurt to leave, I'm just hurt the way in which it was dealt with. It wasn't the best way they went about things.' [LNB]Although Dunne insists that he is not bitter, he fired a final shot at his former club, who have experienced years of flux with changing ownership and managers, and continued uncertainty over Hughes's future, saying he was pleased to have ended up at a club who pride themselves on their solidity.[LNB]'I'm just pleased to be here and I'm looking forward to many years playing at a club that's stable,' he said.[LNB]
