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O'Neill to end Berger's Villa career for Barry comments

06/05/2008

Patrik Berger will not play for Aston Villa again after urging Gareth Barry to quit the club and join Liverpool in the summer transfer window.

Berger - a former Liverpool player - apologised for his remarks that incensed Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

"I was really disappointed and surprised that Patrik, with all his experience of dealing with the press, would make such an inappropriate comment," O'Neill said.

"The sad aspect of it is that we are paying Patrik's wages for him to recommend one of our players to another football club. It's ludicrous," he continued.

But despite Berger's apology he will not be playing another game for Villa.

"I think Pat realises that now and he's apologised, he said he didn't mean a great deal of harm but the harm's been done," O'Neill said.

Barry has been linked with moves to Liverpool and Arsenal but O'Neill has insisted that the Villa captain will not be leaving, prompting his furious response to Berger's comments.

"It's the opportunity of a lifetime, it would mean Champions League and challenging for trophies every season," Berger said.

"The manager is doing a fantastic job here, but I think to reach the top four it will take more time, more work and more players," he advised Barry.