England international has been a prime target for Manchester City over recent days, but will stay at Villa for the forthcoming season
Aston Villa captain Fabian Delph has pledged his future to the club, rejecting the opportunity to join Manchester City
The 25-year-old had been expected to complete an £8m move to City over the weekend – however a statement issued on Saturday afternoon read that the Bradford-native would remain in Birmingham.
Delph made 28 appearances for Villa last term, helping Tim Sherwood’s side to an FA Cup Final, and played a key role in their survival in England’s top-flight.
His form for his club would see him become a regular feature in Roy Hodgson’s England squads, throughout the season.
The player did not travel to Portugal with his team-mates for a Pre-season camp, and even had a chat with new-recruit, and former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, over a possible move.
On the matter, Richards urged Delph to stay at his current club
He said: If you go to Man City and find yourself only playing 10 games and someone has a really good season that player is going to play for England. Things can change.
“Sometimes you’ve got to strike when the iron’s hot and Delph is playing well, but it’s a difficult decision. I’m sure he’ll make the right one.”
STAYING AT VILLA
With the midfielder heavily linked with a move away to Eastlands over the last 48 hours – Delph confirmed that he will remain at Villa Park to captain the side next season.
On a statement on Villa’s official website, Delph said: “I’m aware there has been intense media speculation surrounding my future in the last 24 hours and I want to set the record straight.
“I’m not leaving. I’m staying at the football club and I can’t wait for the start of the season and captaining this great football club.”
The news will come as a major blow for City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who wanted to bring Delph in to the set-up, in order to improve the club’s home-grown quota, which all Premier League sides need to abide by.
Delph had only penned a four-year contract extension at Villa in January, and at the time, he said:
If you go to Man City and find yourself only playing 10 games and someone has a really good season that player is going to play for England. Things can change.
“Sometimes you’ve got to strike when the iron’s hot and Delph is playing well, but it’s a difficult decision. I’m sure he’ll make the right one.”
