Express & Star

Aston Villa's Brad Guzan would like to finish in MLS

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan today revealed he would like to finish his playing days in Major League Soccer with hometown club Chicago Fire.

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The American international has established himself as Paul Lambert's first-choice keeper this season after he re-signed for the claret and blues having initially been released.

Guzan has plenty of years left in the Premier League but admitted he would like to return home for a stint in the United States towards the end of his career.

He said: "Would I like to return to MLS one day? Yes, definitely. I was only a kid when I first went into MLS and it was still growing. To see now from watching the highlights on the internet and TV just how far it has come.

"From speaking to people back home and watching the highlights, I think MLS has made tremendous strides in the five years or so since I left.

"It's come on leaps and bounds. That's a testament to not only the players there but also the foreign players and the owners.

"Financially, the structure has been changed a bit, which means more players have joined the league.

"I think everything being done there is with an open mind to help the sport grow which is great to see.

"Hopefully, I will get the opportunity, when I'm finished playing in Europe, to go back and play in it.

"Especially being from Chicago, which has a team. I'd love to go back and play for the Chicago Fire in front of friends and family. That would be pretty neat."

Guzan also admitted Villa's squad have not been overly worried about their struggles near the foot of the table, given that there are 12 games left to play.

Villa are just a point above the Premier League drop zone ahead of games against Arsenal and Manchester City following their recent win over West Ham.

He said: "There's a lot of football to be played and to be worrying at the beginning of February is crazy.

"It's not a position we want to be in, but I think using the word 'worried' is false because there is a lot of football to be played.

"I know the quality we have in the dressing room, so we weren't worried. We want to put together performances that we are proud of as individuals and as a team.

"Normally, when you put those together you can get those results."