AdminThe departure of one of Aston Villa’s modern greats came as a surprise to many supporters, but fresh comments from international duty have offered a new insight into the goalkeeper’s decision to leave the club.
After six successful years at Villa Park, the Argentina international completed a £7.5million move to Chelsea late in the summer transfer window, bringing an end to a remarkable spell in claret and blue.
Speaking to ESPN Argentina, the former Villa number one admitted that the disappointment of losing July’s World Cup final to Spain played a significant role in his desire for a fresh start.
He told ESPN Argentina: “It was tough after losing a World Cup final; the pain stayed with me for a long time.
“I needed a change of scenery at my club to get over the pain I felt after the final.
“I come here (on international duty) and the truth is I feel good, happy, with a lot of energy and that is what matters most.
The 34-year-old leaves Villa as one of the club’s finest goalkeepers of the modern era. He was instrumental in helping the club establish itself in the Premier League before playing a major role in securing Champions League football in two of Unai Emery’s first three seasons in charge.
Twice recognised as the world’s best goalkeeper, his exit followed Villa’s decision to invest £30million in Japan international Zion Suzuki, who has quickly become the club’s first-choice keeper after starting the last four Premier League matches.
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