Gardner Would Stay For Life!

Craig Gardner has said he'd like to be a Villan for life!

He told the official site following reports that Martin O'Neill is looking to give the midfielder a new contract:

'I'd stay here for the rest of my life if I could - that's how happy I am.' Adding 'I don't want to talk about contracts just yet, but if he has mentioned it, that's nice. But I'm definitely happy here and I'd stay here for the rest of my life if I could - that's how happy I am.'

'I've still got two years left on my current deal, but if the gaffer wants to offer me a new one, then I'd sign it tomorrow. Villa are going to go places next season - and I'm convinced they will do. If he wanted me to sign, it would mean he thinks I'm doing well so far, but I have a lot to do.'

And on his future he said: 'I want to improve a lot more and as a young lad, I'm looking to players such as Gareth Barry, Stiliyan Petrov and Patrik Berger. They have done it and they have been through everything and hopefully I'll be able to do the same in a few years' time. I just come into training every day, get my head on work hard. I don't stop running on the pitch and hopefully, what he has put into me, I can repay him back.'

'I've got my first goal and we're getting the results we need. I feel I'm responding to the gaffer. He's told me he likes the way I get stuck in and play and my confidence is just sky-high now. I feel like no one can touch me now. He's given me a lot of encouragement. He's a great manager and he has a great backroom staff in John Robertson and Steve Walford - they're just the same. Wherever you are, they just make you feel welcome.'

Which is nice.......!

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