Douglas Luiz departed Aston Villa for Juventus this summer but the Brazilian still keeps the club close to his heart.
Aston Villa’s transfer window was essentially kickstarted by the sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus, who helped the club alleviate their FFP concerns.
Luiz was a vitally important player under Unai Emery, with the Spaniard transforming him from a defensive titan into an attacking force.
The 26-year-old posted nine goals and five assists in the Premier League last term, with his departure leaving a huge void in midfield; one that has since been filled by the likes of Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley.
Since leaving Villa Park, the Brazilian has shown what Emery will miss in the 2024/25 season, as he starred in the number 10 role for Juve against their Next Gen Side.
Whilst it highlights the need to invest in an attacking midfielder, it shows how much supporters will miss him, especially after his most recent post on social media.
Douglas Luiz’s four-word message to Aston Villa fans on Instagram
The former Manchester City player left the club on good terms after an incredible five years of service.
No one associated with Claret and Blue wanted him to leave but of course, FFP forced Villa into selling one of their star assets and that was unfortunately Luiz.
It was painful letting such a talented player go and although he’s since said it didn’t much convincing for him to join the Italian giants, the midfielder has still shown his love for the Villa faithful.
He posted a picture of him in an Aston Villa shirt on his Instagram story with the caption “#tbt always in my heart”, accompanied by a red love heart emoji.
Although it doesn’t erase the heartbreak of losing a player who was reaching his prime years, it still shows how much he appreciates what the club did for him, with the message sparking a mixed response.
Aston Villa fans react to Luiz Instagram post
Understandably, many fans were divided by what Luiz posted, with one supporter saying: “Cheers I’m crying. Just want him back,” while another seemed happy that he was sanctioned, “Made his bed! His performances were dreadful second half of season.”
“Could’ve scored that penalty, not gotten that ridiculous yellow card and not been awful for 4 months,” said another fan.
While a fifth added: “Take the Villa’s name out of your mouth Dougie you Judas.”
Another fan simply said: “Bring him back,” whereas another responded “:(((((“.
The post may have divided opinion among supporters but it’s clear that Luiz will be a huge miss to Villa next season.
Aston Villa lack creative presence without Luiz
Last season, Emery relied on Luiz to become a creative for the Villans from midfield.
Deployed next to the tackling machine Boubacar Kamara, the Brazilian international was afforded license to drift forward from central areas and showcase his passing range in the final third.
Indeed, Luiz was one of few players in the Villa squad who could pick out his teammates with difficult passes, ones that helped split the opposition defence.
Heading into the 2024/25 campaign, Emery lacks a creative presence in midfield, particularly in central areas, as the likes of Onana and Barkley aren’t known for pulling the strings.
It shows that while he’s signed multiple players to cover the Brazilian departing, none have directly replaced him and that will be a huge concern for supporters, especially now they’re in the Champions League.
