Barry thrilled by season success

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has spoken of his delight after completing what he describes as the best season of his career.

Barry played a key role in helping City clinch their first top-flight title since 1968 with their last day victory over Queens' Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium. His week was then capped off by his inclusion in Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2012 and success in Poland and Ukraine with his country this summer would then be the icing on the cake for a great year for the former Aston Villa man. The 31-year-old might not be everyone's favourite player, but he is certainly valued by his manager Roberto Mancini, who selected him for 34 of City's 38 games in the Premier League this term, with a further 12 appearances racked up in other competitions. The 31-year-old told The Sun on Sunday: "It's definitely been my best season ever. The amount of games I've managed to get, considering the squad we've got, has been brilliant. "I've been happy with my level of performance and I'm delighted with the way it's gone. Getting in Teams of the Year and winning individual awards has never bothered me. "What is important is that fans and team-mates have spoken highly of me. And the manager too - and he's the one that really matters - so that's encouraging. "This is the perfect club for me. The formation the manager likes to play, with me as one of two holding midfielders, suits me - even though I only scored one goal this season. "I feel I can play on until my mid-30s. Hopefully, that will be at City." Barry joined City, who were then a mid-table side, in 2009 from Villa for £12m after turning down the chance of a possible move to Champions League contenders Liverpool.