Ashley Young cited the Club’s ambition as the main factor behind his decision to extend his stay at Aston Villa.
The 36-year-old began his second spell in claret and blue when he signed a one-year deal last summer, making 25 appearances as he proved to be an important part of the squad.
And when head coach Steven Gerrard expressed a desire for Young to stay, he was delighted to put pen to paper on a new contract.
When asked his reasons for signing, Young said: “It was the ambition of the Club, the manager, the staff and the players as well.
“I got to know the staff and the players really well last season, and I wasn’t ready to go into retirement just yet.
“When I spoke to the manager towards the end of the season, he told me what he thought about me and that he wanted me to stay. He was a massive factor.”
Young’s versatility was on full display last season as he featured on both flanks as a full-back and as a winger, while he was also deployed in central midfield.
The England international has enjoyed his second stint at the Club and believes things will continue to improve in Gerrard’s first full season in charge.
He said: “I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been a good journey, a bit up and down last season but when a new manager comes in halfway through the season it’s going to be tough.
“It was tough at times but we had good times as well and that was a factor in it. His ambition is to get us back into Europe, where I believe the Club should be.
“That was a massive draw for me. I’ve enjoyed every minute of working with the manager and I’m delighted to have signed another year to continue working with him.”
Watch the full VillaTV interview with Ashley below...
