Press article:

Solano stays a Villan - 28/02/2005

Newcastle manager Graeme Souness admitted this week he tried to lure the 30-year-old back to Tyneside during the January transfer window.

Villa manager David O'Leary unsurprisingly rejected such a move for a player who has been a big success since beng offloaded by Sir Bobby Robson for £1.5million 13 months ago.

Solano is happy with life in the West Midlands and keen to extend his stay for at least more season when his current deal runs out in 16 months' time although such thoughts are currently on the back-burner.

He said: "I am happy with the manager and the club who gave me this chance in the Premier League and I want to finish this part of my career here.

"The plan is to play two or three years at this level of competition - although if I am in good condition, then maybe longer. This is a very tough league to play in, especially when you are playing on the right wing and running up and down the pitch!

"But I think this will be the last team I play for in the Premier League because I'm not someone who likes to change clubs. The manager and the club have really supported me."

Solano could find himself with a new role as penalty-taker if Villa are awarded a spot-kick in Saturday's home clash with Everton.

Juan Pablo Angel has been relieved of the job after failing with two against Fulham recently and it will be between Solano and Gareth Barry to take on the responsibility.

O'Leary said: "I'll leave it to the players to decide. The players decided they needed someone else to take penalties.

"I think it will be Gareth Barry and Nolberto Solano on the day. It's down to the player, how he feels. They will sort it out amongst themselves."

http://www.itv-football.co.uk

What is your opinion about this article?
Start a new topic at our forum!