Gareth Barry spent 12 years at Aston Villa, captained the team and enjoyed an irreproachable career that saw him play for England, Liverpool and Man City
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Xabi Alonso of Liverpool (R) challenges Gareth Barry of Aston Villa during the Barclays Premiership match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on November 5, 2005 in Birmingham, England.
Liverpool pursued Gareth Barry in 2008.
(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Gareth Barry's long career, which spanned more than two decades, saw him build a reputation as the ultimate professional, reliable on the pitch and off it.
It was also one that saw him pick up trophies during his time at Manchester City and win England caps during his time at Aston Villa and Liverpool.
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However, for all his standing as a consummate professional the midfielder admits even he made mistakes - such as during the transfer saga that eventually saw him leave Villa for Liverpool.
There has been plenty of movement between the two clubs over the course of time, with stars like Christian Benteke and James Milner wearing both the Red and Claret & Blue. However, not every transfer between the clubs has gone smoothly, indeed arguably one of the most controversial was one that didn’t happen.
Turn the clock back to the summer of 2008 when the Reds were sniffing around Villa captain Gareth Barry. Barry, then 27-years-old, was part of the furniture at Villa Park but was realising that to satisfy his desire to win something he might have to move on.
The Reds were perennial Champions League challengers, Villa were striving to qualify for the competition. In an interview with the Claret & Blue podcast in 2020, Barry lifted the lid on his failed move to Anfield.
“There was interest from Liverpool in the press," he explained. "Martin O’Neill knew about it. He was quite clever, I remember, he put me up in front of the press - these are the games that go on in football. I didn’t know what was coming, the first question was what my thoughts were on Liverpool, the Champions League.
"Me, who’d never experienced a transfer really, I sort of said the right things as you would, and that was it really. So, I go away, finish the season and there’s bids now coming in from Liverpool. I’m speaking to Martin, I’m asking if the club was going to accept the offer, and to be fair to Martin, he said if the money’s right then I could go, but it’s got to be a certain amount. Liverpool couldn’t afford what Villa wanted, and to me, I was like, ‘Fair enough, if they can’t afford me then I’m gonna carry on playing’."
There was toing and froing about a fee in the region of £20 million, around £17 million cash with Reds defender Steve Finnan as a makeweight, but it never quite happened. Liverpool claimed they couldn't afford it, although they subsequently signed Robbie Keane from Tottenham Hotspur for £20 million, and Barry grew tired of waiting on Benitez, in any event.
Get your hands on AVFC 150 years merchandise
Aston Villa is marking its 150th anniversary throughout the 2024/2025 season, celebrating a century and a half of history, football and community.
Here's what items are available to buy to celebrate the club's historic season from its official store:
Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Shirt 24-25 (£55)
The aforementioned blacked-out anniversary kit has proven to be hugely popular with fans, particularly those who have noticed the subtle nods to Villa's history in the details.
Due to the high demand, the club store currently only has kids sizes 7 - 9 years old in stock at a price of £55. This item has an 'almost gone' tag on the site.
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Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Track Top - Claret (£70)
This long sleeve track top has also proven to be a popular pick amongst fans. The club store describes the jacket by saying:
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AEROREADY helps keep you dry and comfortable whether you're hanging with friends or watching the game from the sidelines."
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Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Hoodie - Navy (£45)
Featuring a retro club badge, this hoodie is still available in all Mens' sizes on the club store, which describes the item by saying "Relax in style and comfort. Featuring the iconic club crest, this is an essential item for fans of all ages."
This item is also available in claret for both men and women, though only in sizes XL and S for women limited stock left.
Buy navy here and claret here.
Aston Villa 150 Years in Pictures Book (£25)
The first of two books available to purchase in Villa's 150th season. The describes the picture book as a way to "Celebrate the storied history of Aston Villa and their illustrious history spanning a century and a half with this premium-quality photo book."
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Aston Villa 150 Years Book Volume Two (£40)
The long-awaited second volume moves Aston Villa's remarkable story forward – with the ups and downs between 1950 and 2024 given the same care and attention as the first volume. Even more pin-sharp images, artefacts and stories are featured, alongside stand-out interviews with some of the players and managers that make this club so great.
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Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Polo Shirt - White (£30)
"Represent your club wherever you go. Suitable for matchday and casual wear, the polo is perfect for fans of all ages."
This item is available in all sizes but XS on the club store and is also available for kids in claret at a higher price of £35.
Buy the mens' polo here and the kids' claret polo here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary T-Shirt - Claret and Navy (£25)
"Suitable for wearing on matchdays and beyond, this is a must-have for supporters of all ages. Perfect for walks with the dog, or when relaxing on holiday, the t-shirt allows you to proudly sport your pride and passion."
Buy mens' claret here, womens' claret here and navy here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Anniversary Scarf - Claret (£15)
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Aston Villa 150 Years Badge & Keyring Set - Boxed (£15)
Display the love for your team. Perfect for your hat or scarf, this is a must-have for fans of all ages.
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Aston Villa 150 Years Mug - 11oz (£8)
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Especially after a conversation with the Spaniard left him far from convinced. "Martin said 'Look, give me a year and then you can leave for a certain fee'. The whole Liverpool thing, it hurt me that they couldn't stump up the money the season before. Then a couple of phone calls with Rafa (Benitez) and he's talking about playing me the odd game at left midfield, left back and you know my head started to change. I'm thinking I'm not giving up the Villa captaincy, playing regularly to go and do that. I don't care if it's Champions League, I don't want to be a bit part of nothing.
“I got advised to do an interview, and I was told if I did something like that, trying to rock the boat, you’ll end up getting yourself out. I remember speaking to my parents, asking them: ‘What do you think?’, and I remember my parents saying no, it didn’t sound good. I was sticking up for my agent, saying he was experienced in this role, and maybe they didn’t know what they were talking about. I ended up doing that interview which got me some bad headlines and definitely one thing I regret doing.
"Looking back now, I think why the hell did I do that? But I was in a transfer saga, my first ever experience, my head was frazzled because I don’t deal with all the media attention too well - it’s something I’d rather not have. It all gets blown up."
Barry was fined and ended up training on his own. He would, however, go on to patch things up with O’Neill - and the Villa fans - before leaving a year later when Man City came in for him. He went on to win the Premier League and FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium.
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What do you remember of Barry's time at Villa? Have your say here
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