For exactly the same reason, I turned down offers from Arsenal and Tottenham to remain at Aston Villa

For exactly the same reason, I turned down offers from Arsenal and Tottenham to remain at Aston Villa.

 

 

Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor said that although he had the option to go with Arsenal, he believed it was “a sideways move.”

 

Between 2007 and 2010, the 37-year-old was at the height of his powers, netting double digits for goals in three consecutive seasons. Villa fought for spots in the Champions League but lost out in the end, finishing sixth in each of those campaigns.

 

Fabio Capello would welcome Agbonlahor back to the England team because of his impressive form, which has not just caught the Three Lions manager’s attention. He was interested in signing with both Arsenal and Tottenham, but he decided to stay with his childhood team. Agbonlahor, who is currently a pundit, has disclosed all the instances in which the north London pair sought him out.

 

 

“For me, there was interest from Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger, and it came around the period where I was probably in my prime…around 2008–10,” he stated in an exclusive interview with Ladbrokes Fanzone. I was getting called up for England and I was doing so brilliantly. The 2010–11 season sparked increased interest from Tottenham Hotspur.”

 

However, I was so enamored with Aston Villa that I didn’t really consider either relocation to be a viable option. Neither Spurs nor Arsenal were contending for the championship at that point. The three teams were all aiming for the top four, including Villa. Therefore, they both seemed like sideways moves to me.”

 

Agbonlahor claims he has no regrets about turning down a transfer to Arsenal or Tottenham because he gained reputation throughout the world by starting frequently for Villa. After 13 years with the Villans, the former England forward departed in 2018.

 

He continued: “Spurs had so many options up-front, and so much competition for places, whereas at Villa I was one of the first names on the teamsheet; I was guaranteed to play, I was fighting for top four, I was around my family and I was getting England call-ups – I never really felt the need to leave.”