Ashley Young proud to be captain
Friday 20th May 2011, 2:05PM BST.
Ashley Young has admitted it has been an “honour” to captain Villa as the days count down towards a decision on his future.
Villa face Liverpool in their final Premier League game of the season on Sunday, in what could turn out to be Young’s last appearance in a claret and blue shirt.
All eyes will be on the 25-year-old winger at the final whistle to see whether he gives any indication to the Villa supporters as to whether he will remain at the club.
Young is a confirmed target for Liverpool while Manchester United are also reported to be interested but, whatever the outcome of his decision, the player will always cherish his occasional opportunities to lead the side.
He said: “Being given the captaincy was a massive honour for me and it’s a proud moment every time I put on the captain’s armband.
“Obviously, Stiliyan Petrov is back in the team and I’m grateful for a captain like him. But whenever we go out on the pitch there’s always 11 leaders and 11 captains. Everybody talks to each other, we’ve got great team spirit and great character in the squad.
“One person’s got the armband, but there are 11 of us out there looking to take responsibility and to take the club forward and that’s what we’ve got to keep doing.”
Young insists all of the talk about his future hasn’t affected his performances for Villa.
He said: “I’ve just been concentrating on everything that’s happened on the pitch and trying to get the points, whether that’s being involved in scoring or assists.
“I’m not sure what type of captain I am. I’m just one that wants to go out play football and be a leader. I just want to do well for the club.
“We’re grown men, everyone wants to fight for each other and do well for each other and we try to do that.”
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