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Brad Guzan exits Aston Villa

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Brad Guzan today revealed a desire to play first-team football was behind his decision to quit Aston Villa as he left the club along with Emile Heskey and Carlos Cuellar.

moreBrad Guzan today revealed a desire to play first-team football was behind his decision to quit Villa as he left the club along with Emile Heskey and Carlos Cuellar.

The American goalkeeper was one of eight players on the club's released list and while there had been discussions with Villa over a new contract Guzan has decided his future lies elsewhere.

Guzan joined the claret and blues from MLS outfit Chivas for £600,000 in 2008 and made a total of 32 appearances in all competitions as understudy to Brad Friedel and Shay Given.

Although the 27-year-old only made his full Premier League debut last December during a seven-game stint between the sticks while Given was out injured.

"For me, my first and foremost priority is sorting out my club situation because at my age I need to be playing games," said Guzan.

"I want to be playing games and I think I've proven, not only to myself but to my team-mates and to coaches, that I can play at the highest level and if given the opportunity I can play well.

"When you get that taste of first-team experience you want more of it, and for me, getting the yank and going back to a backup role was frustrating. It was definitely frustrating.

"At the top level you may only get one chance and when you get that chance you have to take it. Fortunately for me, I think I was able to when I came in and now hopefully I'm able to reap the benefits in terms of going somewhere and getting a starting spot."

Also on the released list were youth teamers Ebby Nelson Addy, Connor Taylor, Charlie Ward, Reece Caira, Richard Bryan, Matthew Coton, Darious Darkin and Seb Jenkins.

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