Harold Moukoudi claims he turned down Aston Villa and gives his reasons why
Harold Moukoudi has claimed he turned down Villa because the move came too early in his career and his opinions on football differed with the club.
The French centre-back was flown to the UK last month to meet boss Steve Bruce and be shown around Bodymoor Heath, Villa’s training complex.
Villa wanted to sign Moukoudi on loan with a view to a permanent move worth £10million but a deal couldn’t be struck and the 20-year-old remained at Le Havre.
“I saw huge, impressive infrastructure,” Moukoudi told the French press, of his visit to Villa. “I had the feeling that their football and ours were not the same.
“I went there to hear what the coach had to say to me. To see if it was interesting to leave. I took the time to think and I chose to stay in France.”
“In my family, we have certain values,” added Moukoudi. “Today, money is not really my first interest.
“I want to build a career, a great career. And according to us, going abroad after only one year of professionalism, it was probably a little too early.
“Despite the great offers, we decided that the best solution was to stay. To stay another year in France and the club, at least. To improve myself and become even better. Then we’ll see.”
However, Moukoudi has admitted it was a difficult decision to remain in France.
“Really difficult,” he said. “I thought about it all night. It has been complicated.
“I had trouble sleeping. That’s why the next day I did not feel like playing. I discussed it with the coach. Now it’s past. The most important thing is that I am here [at Le Havre].”
Villa are short-staffed at centre-back, and have been playing midfielder Mile Jedinak in the back-line this season.
Despite that, they let centre-back Tommy Elphick join Hull City on loan towards the end of the window.
