Barton rejects greed accusations

"I asked to be put in line with the top earners and I wasn't offered that. I value myself higher than the club does"
Joey Barton

Manchester City's Joey Barton has insisted he is not being greedy after turning down the club's £28,000-a-week offer and asking for a transfer.

Barton, 23, claims there is no chance of him staying at Eastlands unless he becomes one of the Blues' top earners.

"I'm disappointed at what has gone on. It could have been handled a lot better but we've got to get on with it.

"Obviously it was made out I was very, very greedy and asking for an extortionate amount of money."

City's offer to Barton would have doubled his current salary.

And it is understood by BBC Radio Five Live that it would make him one of the top three earners at the club.

But Barton maintains that is not the case.

He added: "I asked to be put in line with the top earners and I wasn't offered that. I value myself higher than the club does.

"It may have been a bit impetuous of me to hand in a transfer request but I felt the offer was not good enough," added Barton.

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