The Czech international is now plying his trade for Bari.
Libor Kozak of Aston Villa
Not many Aston Villa signings have suffered such bad luck as former striker Libor Kozak.
Kozak cost the club a fee reported by the BBC to be in the region of £7 million back in 2013.
The Czech Republic striker had starred in the Europa League with Lazio and it was hoped he could be a regular goalscorer in English football.
He broke his leg six months later in a training ground collision with Ciaran Clark and his career has been decimated since.
Aston Villa player Libor Kozak in action
After the injury he worked hard to get back to his best but never managed to force his way back into the Aston Villa first-team reckoning. He played just seven more times for Villa in two-and-a-half years before leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer, his last goal for the club coming against Stoke City way back in December 2013.
Villa fans were largely sympathetic to Kozak when he left the club. He was a hard-working player who simply could not catch a break and get a run of football under his belt.
So they will be happy to know that he finally scored again today, for his new side Bari.
Libor Kozak (C) of Aston Villa celebrates his goal v Stoke
He joined the Italian club in August but had to wait until November to make his debut. Today he scored as Bari picked up a 1-0 win against Frosinone in Serie B. The 28-year-old told Gianluca Di Marzio after the game:
“I’m happy for the fans and thankful for the company: they believed in me and I feel their trust.It’s a new beginning, I have to show that I’m back in earnest.”
He also explained how his WhatsApp was going crazy after the game. Bet a few of those are from old Villa pals, pleased to see King Kozak back on his throne.
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