Gareth Barry insists he never considered kicking up a fuss in an effort to secure a move away from Aston Villa.
The England international was heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool last summer, with the midfielder keen for the deal to be pushed through.
However, the long-running saga ultimately came to nothing, with Barry remaining in the Midlands.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on a move to Anfield, the 28-year-old maintained his focus and has played a key role in Villa's eye-catching campaign.
He claims the 'respect' he has for everyone connected with the Villans made it impossible for him to cause trouble, and is delighted to be playing his part in what could prove to be an historic season for the club.
"I said straight away that myself and the manager (Martin O'Neill) are both professional people who want the best this season for Villa. The relationship is very good," said Barry.
"It can go through your head what others have done to get away from a club - but it was just not the reputation I would have wanted.
"It never went through my head to go through that. I've got too much respect for the club, and for the manager, and I've just got on with the job."
Barry was stripped of the Villa captaincy in the wake of the distracting pre-season episode, with the armband going to Martin Laursen.
He has been awarded the role once again in the wake of injuries to Laursen, but insists he will have no problem giving the responsibility up once the Danish defender rediscovers full fitness.
He said: "Everyone knows I enjoy captaining Villa. I've always looked forward to doing it and it does give you that extra lift, captaining the team out there.
"It can raise your game. But Martin is the captain this season and, if we win a trophy, that will be more than enough."
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