Angel happy to sign long-term Villa deal

[andy villa]

Juan Pablo Angel has given Aston Villa a major boost by revealing he would snub a move to Europe in favour of signing a new long-term contract.

The 28-year-old, reborn under manager David O'Leary this season with 21 goals, is out of contract in the summer of 2005.

However, he would happily pen a lengthy new deal and admitted: "I always said that this is the best time of my career. I feel more mature, more experienced and I want to commit myself for the next four or five years so that I can fight for something.

"The good thing here is that I have a great relationship with the supporters, and that really makes me very happy.

"I can do no wrong in their eyes, and that is more responsibility for myself because it means more expectation - but I am prepared for that.

"I have been prepared since I came here because they have been fantastic since the very first day."

Angel would snub a move to the Continent even if the chance arose.

He said: "I'm happy here. This season has been remarkable in so many ways, not just because of the results but also because we are enjoying a different style of game, people are enjoying more the way we play."

Angel insists he and O'Leary both want to plan for the long term at Villa Park.

"The manager wants to be here longer as well because you cannot bring a club forward in just two years. To make a good impact on the club you have to make a platform and that could take four or five years.

"There are so many things that still have to change, but we have the right person to change it, and hopefully in the next few years it will change and we can have the Aston Villa that everyone has been dreaming of for so long."

Angel is hoping to put down his roots in the Midlands because son Jeronimo is set to start school.

He added: "I want to sort this out as soon as possible.

"I have a family and want them to know what I'm going to do over the next few years.

"I made my feelings clear right from the beginning of the season. I think this club is in a great position to go forward and that's what I've always been wanting here. Hopefully I will sort things out in the next few weeks."



sweet.....