James Milner: Aston Villa will cope without Gareth Barry

Jun 11 2009 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Mail

“I think he has improved and is even better than he was before and has moved onto the next level through playing for England.”

Milner underlined Barry’s capabilities for club and country.

“He was a major player for us. He is a top-class player and it’s disappointing that he’s gone,’’ he said.

‘‘But we’ve got some top-class players and I am sure the manager will bring players in to replace him.’’

“Any club losing a player of his quality and calibre is going to miss him.”

The Villa winger insisted the fact it was Eastlands Barry chose was his prerogative.

“Gareth made that decision and thought that was the best move for him,” Milner said.

“He has been at Villa for a long time and I suppose he has reached the point where he feels he needs a fresh start and a fresh challenge.

“He has made what he thinks is the best decision for him and he gave his all for Villa all the time he was there.

“He did it every day in training. He was a great example and a great player for Villa and hopefully when we play him next season the fans will give him a lot of credit and see the good things he has done rather than asking why he has left.

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