The Frenchman struggled at Villa Park last season.
Aston Villa’s loaned out midfielder admits he wants to stay at Saint-Etienne, and has stated the French side are beginning talks to see him become a permanent Les Verts player.
He is quoted by French publication Foot01 as having this to say about his future at the club this week:
Aston Villa’s Jordan Veretout in action with Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson
“I belong to Saint-Etienne this year. I will do everything to make the best season. Then we will see what will happen later in the season.
“If it is, I will be forced to leave, or I’d have to stay here. It made me smile anyway. There are people who like me and would like me to stay here. It warms the heart.”
Picture Supplied by Action Images
The midfielder was one of several new recruits at Villa Park last summer who failed to make an impact at the club.
The French midfielder arrived at Villa in a deal said to be worth around £8 million by the Daily Mail last summer.
But he struggled to have a major impact at Villa, as the club were relegated to the Championship as the Premier League’s bottom club.
St Etienne v Gabala – UEFA Europa League Group Stage – Group C
The Frenchman has made no secret of his dissatisfaction toward the end of his season at Villa Park and a desire to leave the club permanently.
At Saint-Etienne he has certainly enjoyed more promising performances than those he produced at Aston Villa.
The Championship side will hope to recoup as much of the fee they paid for the player if he does depart the club next summer.
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