Former Aston Villa captain, James Chester has opened up about his time with the club and the love he has despite growing up as a Manchester United fan.
In 2016, Aston Villa signed James Chester from West Bromwich Albion and he went on to be a stalwart of the club.
Back then the Villains were in the Championship at the time of the Welshmans’ signing. Now B6 is in a different mindset as Unai Emery has transformed the club into a top 6 challenger.
No matter how good it is now, fans do still look back at the Championship days with plenty of fondness.
Cult heroes like Jonathan Kodjia, Albert Adomah, Jack Grealish and Tammy Abraham all come to fans minds.
From a personal perspective, it must be said how good Chester was.
What has James Chester said?
He is a man who has scored in an FA Cup final and made many Premier League appearances. With that being said he still looks back at his time with Villa with fondness.
The huge difference between when he came into the club and where the club is now is staggering.
Discussing that with Birmingham Live, he said: “Watching Aston Villa play and the players they have at their disposal now, I have a sense of pride that I helped the club get to the position they are in now.”
In his third season with the Villains, he put his career on the line. Playing with a knee injury which resulted in him not playing for many months.
Villa fans are forever grateful for the sacrifice he made which eventually contributed to the playoff win and promotion.
With that, it is Chester’s best memory: “From my personal perspective, throughout my career and the things I’ve done. Aston Villa is my favourite.
“Just in terms of the age I was at and the responsibilities that were put on me to perform at Villa at a time when the club was in a difficult stage.”
The club were definitely in a hard time. The Welsh international was a huge part of digging out of that hole.
This contribution to the cause has seen his affection grow: “I grew up a Manchester United fan. But I’d probably say now I look more to Villa’s scores first.
“A testament to how fondly I think of the time I spent there.”
A player who will always have a home at Villa Park and is well-loved by fans for the commitment he offered.
