Stewart Downing’s shock Villa U-turn
Thursday 26th May 2011, 11:05AM BST.
Villa star Stewart Downing has rocked the club by stating he will not be signing a new contract “at the moment.”
The England winger has been the star of the season at Villa Park and was expected to pen a new contract after talks with chief executive Paul Faulkner.
However, following speculation over a possible move to Liverpool, Downing now believes his career is at a “crossroads.”
He said: “I know the club are keen for me to extend my contract as I only have two years left on my deal and that my agent had a recent meeting with our chief executive Paul Faulkner.
“However, I am 26 and at a major crossroads in my career so I won’t be committing to a new deal at the moment.”
Villa now look to have a fight to hold on to Downing, which will be a huge blow, especially with Ashley Young edging towards the exit door.
Downing further underlined that he could be looking elsewhere when he revealed that he is yearning to play in the Champions League.
He said: “I do want to play in the Champions League at some point.”
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I think all stems to Houllier coming back and a lot of players aint happy with that.
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1 Dan.
I would think it has a lot more to do with tapping up. Although surely Liverpool would never do that, it’s illegal isn’t it?
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Wants to play in the Champions League-No good going to Liverpool then.
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Yet another pretender.
Enjoy sitting on the bench wherever you go, you will not stand out like you have at Villa.
I predict that nobody will buy him this summer and he’ll have a poorer season at Villa next year and be more than happy to sign a contract when nobody’s interested.
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can he make a u turn? nope but he can make a sheeps eyes water!! whay heyy!
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Great, so this time next season we will be in the sdame situation that we are now with Ashley “I think im Jesus” Young!
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Didnt he do just the same at Middlesbrough before signing for Villa ? And he is still not as good as he thinks he Is
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good bye, scared of his own shadow anyway. bottler!
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