Many Aston Villa fans have mixed reactions to former striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has revealed that he rejected offers to leave the club when Roberto Di Matteo was in charge.
Now retired from the game, Birmingham born Agbonlahor spent the majority of his career at Villa Park, except for two short term loan spells with Watford and Sheffield Wednesday.
Progressing through Villa’s youth academy, the speedy striker made his debut for the Claret and Blue in 2006 against Everton at Goodison Park when managed by David O’Leary.
Making a total of 391 appearances for the 1982 European Cup winners, the former England international would net 86 goals in all competitions.
Speaking in a recent interview with BirminghamLive, Agbonlahor, who now often works as a pundit, spoke about Di Matteo trying to move him on to Rangers or Reading and his refusal to leave his boyhood club.
During his time at Villa Park, the striker was an FA Cup and League Cup runner up, whilst also winning the Premier League Player of the Month award in November 2007.
Reacting to Agbonlahor’s comments via Twitter account @villareport, fans shared their feelings on the former frontman, with several suggesting it was his high wage and not loyalty that kept him at the club…
Agbonlahor: “I’m not going anywhere. Those were my exact words in the office to Di Matteo and the owner (Tony Xia). I said you’re not pushing me out, it’s not an option. I’m not putting on another shirt.” #avfc
— villareport (@villareport) May 4, 2020
Yea because your salary would be cut. Not because of your love for villa …
— J (@JkpilotJon) May 4, 2020
I am not going anywhere! I will continue to pick up my obscene wages for doing little as my ability and desire wanes. Fixed it.
— John Mounter (@john10mounter) May 4, 2020
I’m not having any of the loyalty on this. He was on a good thing & didn’t want to move away from the area. Totally for him which is fair enough. Whoever gave the last contract was the problem. Di Matteo has worked with far better. He was great in the O’Neill days, that’s it.
— AVFC🦁 (@AVFC821) May 4, 2020
Mugged us off for years and trying it again. It certainly was not loyalty.
— Martin Chrispin (@MartinChrispin) May 4, 2020
Fair enough, but was he offered better money anywhere else?
— villaman (@tomod1) May 4, 2020
…he wasn’t wrong 🤷♀️
— Shaughn ⚧🏳️🌈 (@clupidbloropope) May 4, 2020
What do you make of Agbonlahor’s time at Villa, was it a success or should he have moved on? Let us know in the comments section below…
