Aston Villa: Why Stiliyan Petrov hopes to be playing with Gareth Barry next term
May 6 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
STILIYAN Petrov would love to continue his midfield double act with Gareth Barry next season despite doubts over both players’ Villa futures.
Petrov has enjoyed a renaissance playing alongside Barry in the centre of the park and has voted for the skipper as his player of the season.
But Barry is still widely expected to quit the club for Champions League football in the summer, while Petrov is still in negotiations about a new contract.
“There is nothing new,” said Petrov. “We have had a few talks and we will see where it will end up. It could happen next week, it could happen in the summer.
A season which slipped: A familiar Aston Villa pattern?
“I don’t think anyone has ever heard me say I was unhappy.
“I am going through a better time now, though, and as long as I go out and perform well for the team and the fans I’m happy.
“If you have a bad time you have to make sure you are a good team-mate and that is the best you can do. I never gave up.”
Petrov’s decision over a new deal is not thought to hinge on whether or not Barry pledges his future to the claret and blue cause.
But the Bulgarian international is understood to have sought assurances over Villa’s summer plans for strengthening the squad.
