Gareth Barry says he has no regrets about missing out on a move to Liverpool after signing for Manchester City.
Despite rumours that Rafa Benitez may still have been interested in the England midfielder, Barry completed a £12 million move from Aston Villa to Eastlands earlier this month.
And, although he had stated that he wanted to leave Villa to play Champions League football, he insists he is happy with his decision.
“I think there’s a lot of speculation – not just Liverpool but other teams,” he said.
“Certainly last summer [...] was a tough summer for me – it dragged on and on.
“When a club are willing to pay the money so early and willing to get a deal done, I felt very wanted here.
“The ambition of the club was the main thing for me and I was just delighted to get it all done.
“I’ve very confident I made the right move.”
He added: “It’s completely out of my thinking, worrying about Liverpool or what could have been.
“I stated I wanted to play Champions League football and Liverpool were very interested in me, but a deal couldn’t be reached and that’s all in the past now.
“City made me feel wanted and the ambition as I say was the main thing and I’m delighted to have joined them and positive for the future.”
Despite City finishing 10th in The Premier League next season, Barry is convinced that the club will soon be challenging for silverware.
“I think we’ve already seen the type of player that Manchester City have been able to attract – Robinho and the players they’re being linked with now,” he said.
“This club’s got everything in place to go on and achieve big things and challenge right at the top.
“I’m really looking forward to trying to be a part of that and turning Manchester City from a mid-table team into a team challenging for big honours.”