Robert Snodgrass has revealed why he turned down the chance to return to Aston Villa this summer.
The Scotsman was loaned to Villa Park for near enough the entirety of the 2017-18 season, and became a critical part of a side that saw its season end in the playoff final.
Making 40 appearances for Steve Bruce, many had suggested that the versatile midfielder was set to return to Villa on a permanent deal.
Despite the rumours, Snodgrass opted to stay at parent club West Ham.
A good decision, in many ways. The 31-year-old has made nine appearances in the Premier League so far under Manuel Pellegrini, with five of those coming from the substitutes bench.
Quoted by Football London, Snodgrass said:
I went away to Villa to keep playing, but I always kept an eye on the results and spoke to the lads, wishing them good luck through those tough times last year.
I am friends with these people. I wanted to come back and try and prove myself to the manager.
I want to be here, work hard for the cause and try to help the lads go forward and kick on to the top part of the table. That’s why I came here.
Ultimately, Villa were unable to compete with the allure of Premier League football. However, the Midlanders can claim a new pair of top-flight stars in their ranks this season, with Tammy Abraham and Yannick Bolasie joining the squad.
