Soccer:Richard Dunne has revealed he was forced out of City because the richest club in the world 'needed the money' but insists he harbours no bitterness towards the team he played with for nine years.

Dunne completed a €6.8million move to Aston Villa yesterday after City's new-found wealth resulted in the signings of Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott .

Speaking after linking up with the Republic of Ireland squad to face Cyprus on Saturday, he said: "I played right up to when I left, I was there all the time.

"They signed the players and that was it. I wasn't given the opportunity to stay and fight for my place. That's what was annoying.

"I was told I had to go and that's the frustrating part about it.

"They told me they had accepted an offer so I said 'okay but what if I want to stay and fight for my place'.

"They said 'it's funny, we need the money'.

"I am not bitter, I really enjoyed my time there and wish them all the success.

"The fans have been great to me and have been crying out for success. They now seem they are on the verge of it and I just hope they get what they deserve."

Dunne is confident Villa can challenge for a European place this season.

He added: "I am moving to a similar side. We don't have the same financial backing but we have a good squad which can challenge the top six."