Sparky Sets Record Straight After Dunne Criticism

Mark Hughes, gearing up for City's first crack at 'The Big Four' this weekend has responded to bitter comments from Aston Villa's Richard Dunne over his City departure...

It was well documented and discussed last week that in a massively disappointing outburst Dunne had gone on record as saying he was pushed out of Manchester City and also questioned City CEO Garry Cook's role at the club.

Sparky issued this response:

'Richard obviously felt the need to discuss his thoughts on his leaving of City. But the decision was his at the end of the day. He was the only one who signed a piece of paper to change from being a City player to an Aston Villa player.

'It wasn't as if he was forced out of the club. It was a little bit unfair to highlight Garry Cook and his perceived role in discussions.'

The Blues boss went on to underline how City's hierarchical channels work:

'From my point of view I have had great support from Garry and from the chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak. We work as a team to make sure the club is strong and competitive in future.

'Decisions will be made which affect players, and they may feel they have a view on things which they feel the need to express. But we are just trying to make City a good, strong club, and a successful one.'

Straight talking diplomacy and hopefully this unfortunate episode can now be closed. Dunney will welcome City at Villa Park in a few week's time. Unfortunately his comments will have knocked some of the gloss off the vocal appreciation he can expect from the Blues' travelling army.

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