‘Ambitious’ Ash not ready to go into retirement
ASHLEY Young says head coach Steven Gerrard and the “ambition” of bringing European football back to Villa were key to him signing a new contract.
Young made 25 appearances for the club last term as he operated as a utility player under both Dean Smith and Gerrard.
Though the majority of his appearances were at left-back, the 36-year-old was also deployed at right-back, centre-midfield, number 10 and on both wings.
Young was released by
Villa earlier this summer, having reached the end of his contract. However, the former England ace credited Gerrard as being a “massive factor” in his decision to sign a new one-year deal.
“It was the ambition of the club, the manager, the staff and the players,” he said. “I got to know the staff and the players really well last season, and I wasn’t ready to go into retirement just yet.
“When I spoke to the manager towards the end of the season, he told me what he thought about me and that he wanted me to stay. He was a massive factor.”
Having won league titles with Man United and Inter
Milan since leaving Villa in 2011, Gerrard will hope Young’s winning mentality can continue to improve his squad.
The veteran admitted last season’s 14th-placed finish was a disappointment but believes Europe could soon return under the boss.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been a good journey, a bit up and down last season but when a new manager comes in halfway through the season it’s going to be tough,’’ said Young. “It was tough at times but we had good times as well and that was a factor in it. His ambition is to get us back into Europe, where I believe the club should be.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of working with the manager and I’m delighted to have signed another year to continue working with him.”
Meanwhile, winger Trezeguet has completed a permanent transfer to Trabzonspor for a reported fee of £4.25 million. The 27-year-old, who joined from another Turkish club Kasimpasa in 2019, scored nine goals in 64 appearances, but after a long-term injury the Egypt star went out on loan to Istanbul Basaksehir in February.