Olof Mellberg wants to end his Aston Villa career by helping the club secure a place in Europe.
Villa defender determined to leave on a high
Olof Mellberg has set his sights on a 'big finish' to his Aston Villa career by helping the club secure a place in Europe next season.
With Tottenham winning the Carling Cup and with none of the 'big four' in contention for success in the FA Cup, only a place in the top five of the Premier League will secure qualification for Europe this season.
However, Mellberg - who is bringing to an end his seven-year career at Villa Park with a Bosman summer transfer to Juventus - has dedicated himself to his club's cause.
Mellberg did not earn a place in manager Martin O'Neill's starting XI for Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough, but the Swedish defender is hoping for a recall against Portsmouth on Saturday as sixth-placed Villa attempt to get their European push back on track.
"I definitely don't want to come out of the picture in these last games," Mellberg told the
Daily Star.
Problem
"I'm not saying it's a problem because it is up to the manager in the end and whatever his thoughts are is for him to know.
"But that's absolutely my aim and what I want. I want a big finish for the club and a big finish for me.
"Craig Gardner started against Boro and we will see what happens. I give my all in training and I have done in games.
"I've known for some time that this was going to be my last season and I've only missed three games.
"I want to play and give everything in the matches that are left."
