Aston Villa FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Gerard Houllier

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Dunne speaks of City respect

06 Oct 2009 - 08:02:30

Click To Enlarge

Richard Dunne admitted his respect for Manchester City led to him not celebrating his goal during Aston Villa's 1-1 draw with his former club.

Dunne, who spent nine years at City before moving on to Villa Park in the summer, headed the Midlands club into a first-half lead on Monday night.

Craig Bellamy salvaged a point for big-spending City, who cast Dunne aside when they brought Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott to Eastlands during a summer of change.

Some City fans applauded Dunne's goal which was in stark contrast to the negative reaction former Villa captain Gareth Barry - who joined City in a £12million deal in August - received on his first return to the Midlands.

"As much as it was nice to score my first goal here in front of the Villa fans, I still have to remember how Manchester City have helped me throughout my career," explained Dunne.

"You have to remember Man City looked after me for a long time. I enjoyed my time at City and respect the fans and everyone there so it was the right thing to do for me.

"It gave us a good start in the game and unfortunately we couldn't go on to get the second.

"But City are a top side who are going to challenge for the top four this season and, for us to play as well as we did, is a good sign."