Nigel slams Villa over release

Last updated : 09 July 2011 By Team Talk

The 27-year-old, who spent the end of last season captaining the Midlands outfit, was stunned to find out on holiday that he was no longer needed after four years at the club.

Now the free agent is contemplating his future and is considering a move abroad.

"Before Gerard Houllier was taken ill and left the club, he said he wanted to sit me down this summer and negotiate a new deal," Reo-Coker said in The Sun.

"When the season ended, there was no contact from Villa to renegotiate my contract.

"We never sat down together, which I was told would happen.

"While on holiday, I was getting texts from friends and reading tweets I'd been released.

"I was disappointed. It should've been handled better and with more respect."

New boss Alex McLeish has also reportedly not been in touch with the midfielder and if he is not offered the right challenge in England, Reo-Coker may opt for a move to Spain, Germany or Italy with a number of clubs said to be interested.

Despite the unexpected news, Reo-Coker is remaining optimistic about the future.

"It's a new chapter. I want to go to a club where I can challenge for things either in the Premier League or abroad," he said.

"There are options in Europe - and I'm seriously considering them."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk