Former Aston Villa defender, Ron Vlaar has opened up about his time at the club, as his two ex-clubs face each other in the Conference League this week.
Vlaar played for Aston Villa between 2012 and 2015 and became a well-loved figure in his time with the club.
This cult hero status comes despite featuring in a time when the Villains were scrapping for Premier League survival every year.
It felt like days of world-class football under Unai Emery was never going to happen. It has been a long journey.
‘Concrete Ron’ is well known for his no-nonsense defending and his great attitude as he gave everything on the pitch.
What has Ron Vlaar said?
With Villa in European competition for the first time since 2010, games up against former players is always possible.
In saying that, the Villains come up against Vlaar’s former side in AZ Alkmaar this week.
On the prospect of the game, he said: “I could not be more happy about it.”
Vlaar left Villa on a sour note following his release due to injury but still holds his time in B6 dear.
On his ex-club’s facing Villa, he outlined: “I only played for three clubs in my career.
“When I left Villa and they got relegated, there was nothing in my head thinking two clubs I played for would meet in a European game.”
Looking back on his time with the club, there were some tough moments and it only got worse without him.
Despite this, he is pleased to see the club as they are today: “It is really special for me. Villa are in a much better place now and it is so good to see.”
A cult hero in Claret and Blue. Given his love for the club prior to this game, I’m sure the love for him won’t diminish.
