Fabian Delph briefly opens up on controversial Aston Villa exit

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Fabian Delph’s departure from Aston Villa is still something of a sore subject at the club. In 2015 it seemed Manchester City were all set to buy the player, who had only signed a new contract at the club in January.

However, Delph made it clear that was not happening. As reported by ITV News, he confirmed to the Aston Villa website that he was ‘not leaving’ and would be ‘captaining this great football club’ in 2015-16.

Just one week later he signed for City in a deal reported by the Manchester Evening News to be worth £8 million.

Delph has now opened up slightly on that move in The Telegraph. He made it clear he felt he had to leave Aston Villa, because of behind the scenes developments at the club.

“When I was at Villa and I was captain there and I had the opportunity to go to City, it played on my mind I wouldn’t be as pivotal. So initially I didn’t want to go, but a lot of things happened behind the scenes and I realised I had to go.”

Whilst Aston Villa fans were furious with Delph at the time, he must have seen something that proved accurate.

Aston Villa went on to have a woeful season, finishing bottom of the league.

Delph has since gone on to establish himself for both club and country, as well as winning a few medals along the way.

Next season, Delph might have to face off against Aston Villa again as they finally achieved promotion back to the top-flight. He can expect a hostile reaction when the champions head to Villa Park.