Barry hits back at Rafa ‘œgreedy’ jibes

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has replied to Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez’s recent comments about the England international choosing Eastlands over Anfield because of money.

Benitez had long been an admirer of Barry’s having sought to sign him from Aston Villa last summer, but Barry was tempted by a reported £100,000 a week contract offered by Mark Hughes’ Man City this time round.

However Barry says he’s not in it for the money, as proven by City’s recent signings such as Carlos Tevez for £25m.

“I think there was maybe a bit of frustration (from Benitez) because it was well documented that Liverpool were in the market to sign me for a couple of years,” he said.

“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.”