'No other place' - Tammy Abraham explains why he stayed at Aston Villa

The striker got his season up and running with a brace in Wednesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win at Coventry City.

Abraham’s future had been in doubt during the final days of the transfer window when he was given the option of leaving the club on loan, with both Ipswich and Everton expressing interest.

But the 28-year-old told boss Emery he wanted to stay and fight for his place in a new-look side, after a summer which saw 10 new players join and several high-profile players depart.

Heading into Wednesday night, Abraham had scored just three goals in 21 appearances since making an £18.2million January move from Besiktas in January.

He now hopes his brace at the CBS Arena is a sign of things to come.

Speaking to the Express & Star, he said: “It is never easy coming into the season, players leaving, players coming in.

“But I feel we are getting to grips with it now and there is no other place I wanted to be.

“I just wanted to be here and get off to a good start. I want to help the team as much as possible.

“I know my qualities. I know what I can bring to the team. Last season, coming in January is never easy but I feel more settled now, my family are settled. I am just happy to be here.”

Abraham has long had a strong connection with Villa supporters after scoring 26 goals in the club’s 2018-19 promotion season, while on loan from Chelsea.

He returned in January with a definite sense of unfinished business and though he has struggled for goals and playing time, with Wednesday just his fifth start, he believes he still has plenty to offer Emery’s team.

“It is crazy to see how far Villa has come as a club and a team,” he said. “Being with them in the Championship, watching them over the years and being involved in the Europa League final last season.

“It’s so nice to see and I am not only just a player, I am like a fan also. I want to help the team as much as possible and help the team achieve things people never believed we could.”

Asked if Emery had given him any particular words of advice as he seeks more playing time, Abraham replied: “The manager always has more than 20 players to choose from.

“He has always spoken to me and told me what I need to improve on and what I need to do more.

“For me it was just about getting settled down, getting my head down and focusing on myself.

“I had injuries and had surgery this summer. I feel ready, I feel I am getting to grips with it now and I want to help the team.”

Abraham hopes Wednesday’s win can be a springboard for both himself and the team, heading into Saturday’s Premier League trip to Tottenham.

Both teams are without a league victory, while the hosts are still searching for their first goal after their own summer overhaul.

“If we can get a win there, it could really be the start of our season,” said Abraham. “I think Wednesday showed we have the quality. We just need the confidence.

“It is one of those things in football. When you start high, everyone is praising you.

“When you start low, you have to deal with the consequences. But this is still the beginning.

“We have to get some momentum, like we did on Wednesday and hopefully take it into Saturday.”