Barry honest over Villa exit

Gareth Barry has admitted he would never have left Aston Villa if they had qualified for next season’s Champions League.

Up until the final six weeks of the campaign, Villa looked good bets for a top-four slot, only to fade dramatically as Arsenal reclaimed a qualifying-round place.

The true extent of the damage inflicted on the midlands giants is only now becoming apparent, with Barry confirming his £12m move to Manchester City would not have gone through if Villa had been able to offer the incentive of a position at Europe’s top table as well as a massive new contract.

“I was very honest about the Champions League and if Villa had qualified I would have been honourable enough to keep my word and stay,” said the England midfielder.

“It would have been wrong to leave if that had been achieved but it was something that did not happen.”

Barry has been the victim of some intense criticism from the Villa Park faithful for his decision to leave.

Taunts of ’Judas’ have been made, as well as accusations of disloyalty, which seems a bit harsh considering Barry gave the club 12 years of loyal service.

He even wrote an 800-word letter to the local paper expressing his reasons for quitting the club.

However, he does not view that as an apology for a decision he believes will ultimately benefit his career.

“I am not apologising, I just felt it was right to give my reasons,” said Barry.

“I have been at Villa for 12 seasons and always had a good rapport with the fans. To leave after so long was a big thing.”

While he was not keen to get into a debate about the relative merits of Villa and City, who continue to be linked with Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz, speculation which manager Mark Hughes opted neither to endorse or reject, Barry clearly believes he has more chance of achieving his objective at his new club than the one he has left behind.

“I have spoken to the manager about City’s ambition and, just from the players who have come here, it is clear they are seen as being able to challenge for big honours,” said Barry.

“With England doing so well in the World Cup qualifiers as well I am looking for it to be a very positive year, both for my club and internationally.”