Barry: I wish I'd won at Villa

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Barry admits his "one huge regret" about his 12 years at Villa was failing to land any silverware with a 2000 FA Cup final appearance the nearest he came to trophy glory.

He said: "My one huge regret is that during my time at Aston Villa we have not brought the supporters the success they deserve. I obviously have to take my share of responsibility that we have not been good enough to win trophies."

But the England midfielder believes he can achieve those goals at Eastlands even though he has sacrificed his ambition to play Champions League football for at least one more season.

"A lot of people will question my decision to join Manchester City," he said. "But they were the club prepared to meet the valuation which, for a 28-year-old with a year left on his contract, I think shows how much they wanted me.

"Once I had spoke to Mark Hughes, there was nowhere else I wanted to go. I feel I am joining a club that will seriously challenge to win major honours.

"People might doubt that, but I am convinced with the plans the club has short term and long term, and the backing the manager will receive from the owners, that we will be a major force."

Barry admits the fear of going stale and losing the edge to his game prompted him to move despite being optimistic about the future for Villa.

He said: "I feel the club is in the best position it has been in during my time at Villa. I think we have a group of very good young players, a fantastic chairman who is here for the good of the club, and one of the best managers in the game.

"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. 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."