Dunne reveals City hurt

New Aston Villa signing Richard Dunne has admitted his “hurt” at the way Manchester City dealt with his departure after nine years at the club.

The central defender, who has signed a four-year contract with Villa, claims City “made it quite clear” his days at Eastlands were numbered despite his sterling service.

Nevertheless, Martin O'Neill's €6.8m capture also admits the time was right for the parting of the ways.

Dunne said: “It was difficult. Obviously I made my home there, but they made it quite clear that they didn't want me there any more.

“So for me to have the opportunity then to come to Aston Villa was brilliant.

“I could have maybe sat there at City and played in the reserves for the next three years, but for the manager here to show the faith that he has done and put a bid in was pretty pleasing.”

Dunne added: "I'm not hurt to leave City, I'm just hurt the way in which it was dealt with. It wasn't the best way they went about things, but that's a different story.

“For me, I'm just pleased to be here at Villa and looking forward to many years playing at a club that's stable. I'm looking forward to the future.”