Brad Guzan has revealed his thirst for first-team football was the reason behind his decision to leave Aston Villa.
United States international reveals his frustration at bit-part role
Brad Guzan has revealed his thirst for first-team football was the main reason behind his decision to leave Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old joined the club in 2008 from MLS side Chivas but only made his Premier League debut last December during a seven-game spell when Shay Given was out injured.
Guzan, a United States international, made a total of 32 appearances in all competitions but found his opportunities limited as understudy to first Brad Friedel and, latterly, Shay Given.
"For me, my first and foremost priority is sorting out my club situation because at my age I need to be playing games," he told the
Express and Star.
Frustrating
"I want to be playing games and I think I've proven, not only to myself but to my team-mates and to coaches that I can play at the highest level and if given the opportunity I can play well."
He added: "When you get that taste of first-team experience you want more of it, and for me, getting the yank and going back to a backup role was frustrating. It was definitely frustrating.
"At the top level you may only get one chance and when you get that chance you have to take it.
"Fortunately for me, I think I was able to when I came in and now hopefully I'm able to reap the benefits in terms of going somewhere and getting a starting spot."
