Aston Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov says Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry still loves the club.

Ahead of tomorrow's return to Villa Park for Barry, Petrov revealed: “He is always texting about the club so he still cares.

“He played here a long time, he just can’t forget it.

“I’m looking forward to the game. We will have some banter with text messages. He gave so much to this club.

“He played over 400 games for Villa. I have a lot of respect for players who do that. Not many players can do that. Only players who love a club can do that and that was Gareth with Villa.”