Mark Hughes has hit back at claims by Richard Dunne that he was forced out of the club.

The Irish international ended his nine-year stint at City when he moved to Aston Villa on deadline day, after Hughes had spent heavily on Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott.

Dunne claims he was forced out of Eastlands and has accused executive chairman Garry Cook of trying to sell him behind his back, but Hughes has hit back at these accusations.

"Richard obviously felt the need to discuss his thoughts, but the decision was his," he said. "He was the only one to sign the paper to change from being a City player to being a Villa player.

"It was his decision and it was not as if he was forced out of the club. I have to say that it is a little bit unfair to highlight Garry Cook and his perceived role in the discussions."


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