GARETHBARRY will be wearing a sky blue shirt next season after Mark Hughestoday clinched a £12million move from Aston Villa to the City ofManchester Stadium for the highly-rated England midfielder.
The 28-year-old Barry, who has become a talismanic captain during 12years and almost 400 games at Villa Park, was a target for severalPremier League clubs following a high-profile chase by Liverpool lastsummer.
The former England Under-21 skipper's ability, versatility andcharacter made Hastings-born Barry a natural priority target asambitious manager Hughes tackles the second phase of his Bluesrevolution.
With Player of the Year Stevie Ireland having committed himself to afurther five years at City, Barry's arrival at the club after signing afive-year contract means Hughes will have one of the Premier League'smost formidable midfield rosters.
The City boss had warned his rivals that he likes to move quickly oncehe identified his wanted men, and Barry's move has been completed whilemost of football is still enjoying a post-season break.
Barry, who has 29 full England caps, is currently with Fabio Capello'snational squad at their Hertfordshire hotel preparing for Saturday's2010 World Cup qualifying match in Kazakhstan.
He also captained England Under-18s and joined Villa from Brighton as atrainee in 1997. As his career flourished, his versatility emerged andhe shone at centre-back and left back as well as across the midfield. |