Manchester City Football Club News

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• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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Barry hits back at Benitez

17 Jul 2009 - 13:00:58

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Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry insists he did not move to Eastlands earlier this summer simply for financial reasons.

Barry joined City from Aston Villa in a £12million switch to Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's annoyance.

Benitez had been linked with the England international for most of last summer and could not understand why he eventually opted to join a club that will not even be playing European football in the 2009-10 campaign.

However, Barry has hit back at Benitez, saying: "I think there was maybe a bit of frustration because it was well documented that Liverpool were in the market to sign me for a couple of years.

"But Manchester City had agreed a fee with Aston Villa.

"Once I'd spoken to the manager, heard the ambition and he told me what the club were aiming for, that suited me.

"People can talk about the money because of the speculation in the media but the players that are now joining are proving my decision to be a correct one.

"These are players that are really going to improve Manchester City and take us to where we want to go."