Aston Villa’s Nigel Reo-Coker: Champions League clubs are chasing me

Nigel Reo-Coker – Aston Villa (PA)

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Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker could be set for a summer exit move abroad after revealing a host of  Champions League clubs have registered an interest in his signature.

The midfield enforcer’s contract is due to expire soon and although talks with the Midlands club over a new deal are set for the near future, Reo-Coker has left the door open for a move to the continent.

“There has been interest from foreign clubs and most of the clubs are playing in the Champions League,” Reo-Coker said, according to the Daily Mail.

“That is something you would like to participate in and I am a footballer for the fact of playing at the highest level.

“You want to play in the biggest competitions and want to win things and achieve things in your career.”

Reo-Coker, 26, has managed to get himself back into the fold under current manager Gerard Houllier, after finding himself frozen out under former boss Martin O’Neil.

He added: “I don’t care what profession you are in, it makes a difference playing in today’s modern Premier League consistently in the team.

“Playing is the most important thing about my future. I won’t lie about it, it has been an up-and-down four years for me at Aston Villa.

“It will be a big decision to make but the most important thing is about playing football. You have to review the whole situation of how your career has panned out for the whole four years.”

The ex-West Ham man also refuted any suggestion that money would play a part in his next career move.

He added: “I want to stress, it my future has never been financial for me.

“I am going to be 27 next week and it is about playing football. I am entering the so-called peak years of a professional footballer and I still believe the best is yet to come from me.

“It is going to be a difficult decision and not an easy decision to make but you have to do what is best for your career, your aspirations and your family.

“I am not a footballer for the show of just being a footballer. I am serious about my profession and about what I want to achieve and do.”

Finally, Reo-Coker praised Houllier, who is continuing to recover from a heart problem.

He said: “I owe him tremendously. I owe him a lot. He has restored my belief and confidence since he has come in.

“He is a great manager and I believe personally he has got us playing great football.”