Gareth Barry has claimed that "a massive fear of going stale and falling into a comfort zone" together with Manchester City's ability to challenge for major honours were the key reasons behind his decision to leave Aston Villa and sign for Mark Hughes. The England international outlined his thoughts in a letter to the Birmingham Mail newspaper, where he also expressed his regret that Villa had failed to reward the supporters with success during his 12 years at the club.
Barry's response came after Villa fans had reacted angrily to the news that he was joining City for £12m. Many suspected his primary motivation was money, with Barry having doubled his wages and signed a contract worth in excess of £100,000 a week with City. Further frustration emanated from the fact that the midfielder had claimed last summer that he wanted to leave Villa because of his desire to play Champions League football.
Barry, however, believes he has joined a club that will become a "major force" over years to come. "I have honestly been very undecided what to do. The manager and the whole club have bent over backwards to try and persuade me to stay and made me a fantastic offer which I am extremely grateful for," he said.
"But, after changing my mind lots of times, I came to the decision that the time was right for me and for the club to part company. I need a new challenge. I have a massive fear of going stale and falling into a comfort zone."
In what might be interpreted as a criticism of Rafael Benítez's rotation policy at Liverpool, Barry also suggested that the promise that he would be guaranteed to play on a regular basis in his favoured central midfield position at City was significant, particularly in the lead-up to the World Cup in South Africa next year.
"I feel I am joining a club that will seriously challenge to win major honours," added Barry. "The backing the manager will receive from the owners tells me that we will be a major force. Also the World Cup next year has always been a major part of my thinking. I feel at Manchester City I will get the chance to play regularly in my best position and play a big part in a successful side. Time will tell if I am right or not, but those are my reasons."
Meanwhile, City midfielder Elano looks set to join Internazionale this summer after falling out of favour at Eastlands. "There are ongoing negotiations and I hope the Inter directors will go right to the end," he said. "I want to wear the Inter shirt."
