Post by Natty on Jun 29, 2008 10:01:34 GMT -1
Gareth Barry insists there is 'no going back' on his demand to quit Aston Villa in order to join Liverpool.
Villa have already rejected big-money bids from Liverpool for the midfielder and are reluctant to lose their captain.
But Barry, who has spent his entire career at Villa Park, wants the opportunity to play UEFA Champions League football with the Reds next season.
"My mind's made up, I want to join Liverpool," Barry told the News of the World.
"There's no going back, it's time for me to move on.
"I'm desperate to play Champions League football and that's why I have to leave Villa."
The 27-year-old also expressed his disappointment with the lack of contact from Villa boss Martin O'Neill and feels the club have done nothing to persuade him to stay.
He added: "Villa kept saying they wanted me to stay, but I have not heard from the manager for weeks.
"It's seven weeks now since the season finished, but while the gaffer's found time to be a pundit for the BBC at Euro 2008, he hasn't found the time to speak to me.
"But Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has shown how much he wants me at Anfield. I am obviously flattered that someone as successful as Rafa Benitez thinks so highly of me.
"And that he's not been afraid to put his valuation of me in black and white for Villa and all the world to see.
"But have Villa offered me anything to try to persuade me my future is at Villa Park, not Anfield? Not a thing."
Villa have already rejected big-money bids from Liverpool for the midfielder and are reluctant to lose their captain.
But Barry, who has spent his entire career at Villa Park, wants the opportunity to play UEFA Champions League football with the Reds next season.
"My mind's made up, I want to join Liverpool," Barry told the News of the World.
"There's no going back, it's time for me to move on.
"I'm desperate to play Champions League football and that's why I have to leave Villa."
The 27-year-old also expressed his disappointment with the lack of contact from Villa boss Martin O'Neill and feels the club have done nothing to persuade him to stay.
He added: "Villa kept saying they wanted me to stay, but I have not heard from the manager for weeks.
"It's seven weeks now since the season finished, but while the gaffer's found time to be a pundit for the BBC at Euro 2008, he hasn't found the time to speak to me.
"But Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has shown how much he wants me at Anfield. I am obviously flattered that someone as successful as Rafa Benitez thinks so highly of me.
"And that he's not been afraid to put his valuation of me in black and white for Villa and all the world to see.
"But have Villa offered me anything to try to persuade me my future is at Villa Park, not Anfield? Not a thing."
league table never lies 
