Giles Barnes believes Manchester City's decision to agree to a friendly with Houston Dynamo shows the MLS club is well-respected.
The Texan outfit will host City in the BBVA Dynamo Charities Cup on May 28 and Barnes, who played against the reigning Premier League champions in England, suggests it is a good reward for the entire Dynamo club.
"For us as a club, everyone knows we're one of the most decorated clubs in MLS. We're a team striving for greatness, and the best thing for a team striving for greatness is to go up against greatness and that's what you get," Barnes, who played with Derby County, West Bromwich Albion and Doncaster Rovers, told MLSsoccer.com.
"Just showing we can pull that caliber of opponent shows we're well respected not only as a league but as a team in the Houston Dynamo as well."