Cityzen Forever: Gareth Barry Wants Aston Villa Starman At Manchester City

Former Manchester City player Gareth Barry made his way to the Etihad Stadium through Aston Villa. Now the former England midfielder wants his fellow countryman to follow the same path. Barry revealed recently that he would like to see Jack Grealish play under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Although he admitted that seeing Grealish play European football with Aston Villa will be fantastic, he also expressed his desire to see the 25-year-old play for Manchester City.

Barry told TalkSport: “I’d say: ‘for now, keep enjoying your football’. He’s captaining his boyhood club and that’s given him the freedom and the confidence that’s been key to the way he’s playing.

“He knows where he is until the end of the season, he should try and get Aston Villa into a European spot. He’ll want to be playing European football and if he can be doing that for Aston Villa next season then that would be fantastic for him and the club.

“But the stories aren’t going to go away, he’s playing too well. It’s not just going to be one team that wants his signature; it’s going to be four or five across Europe.

“It’ll be interesting times for Jack and for Aston Villa in the summer but looking with a Villa head on, it would be great if we see Jack Grealish playing European football for Aston Villa and not anyone else.”

When pressed on his choice of club for Grealish should he leave Villa, Barry added: “I would love to see him work under someone like Guardiola.

“That manager could help him learn more about the game, improve more. I’d go for Manchester City if you make me choose one.”

Grealish has been the best player for Aston Villa in the Premier League since helping them secure promotion to the top flight last season. The Birmingham-born star has continued to see his stock rise at Villa this season, with six goals and 10 assists in 21 Premier League games so far.

His top-notch performances have earned him a place in the English national team where he has distinguished himself as a special talent.

Several top European clubs have been credited with an interest in his services with Manchester United seen as frontrunners. Signing him will provide a huge boost to City’s midfield making the team even stronger for the years to come.