De La Cruz Looks To Villa Park Exit

Another player wants out! I don't think many fans could blame De La Cruz as it has become clear, even with a defensive crisis, that he isn't in David O'Leary's plans. He joined from Hibernian in 2002 and has made 95 appearances in total.

The 33 year old right back (or midfielder) is looking to keep his place in Ecuador's squad for the World Cup and his chances are being hampered by his lack of first team opportunities following the arrival of Aaron Hughes from Newcastle United last summer. He has only started twice for Villa this season and has often not even made it to the bench.

De La Cruz told Sky Sports 'I have loved my time at Aston Villa, but now I feel it is the right time for me to leave. I am not looking to move for money or anything like that - anything but that. I just need to be playing first team football. I know I am still capable of doing a job at Premiership level, but I also need to think about Ecuador.'

Great quotes from the chap, you really can't argue with what he is saying or the way he is saying it! One thing you can always say for DLC is that maybe he is not the best player in the world, but he always gave 100%.

He continued: 'As I said I have loved my time with Villa and the last three-and-a-half years have been tremendous and I want the fans to know how happy I have been. However, the time has come for me to leave and hopefully I will be sorted out during January.'

Top man, hope he gets the move he wants. He has been linked to clubs in Italy and Spain and also a return to South America, although according to Sky, he would prefer to stay in England. I'd go where it was warm myself - that said, no one wants me!

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Go on, get vitalled!