West Bromwich Albion released the experienced defender this summer.
Gareth McAuley sat down for an exclusive interview with the Times, and claimed that Darren Moore wanted to keep him at West Brom, in spite of the club’s hierarchy labelling him as ‘too old’.
The 38-year-old left the Baggies this summer having spent seven years at the Hawthorns, and chalking up 227 appearances in all competitions in the process.
The Northern Irishman is now on the look-out for a new club, however, following the expiration of his contract with West Brom, and despite his advancing years, he still has a lot to offer at the highest level.
McAuley spoke exclusively to the Times, and insisted that Darren Moore wanted to keep him at the Hawthorns, in spite of the fact that the Baggies hierarchy deemed the centre-back as too old:
“I spoke to Big Mooro. He said if he got the job, he’d want me around. All the summer I was preparing myself to go back. Then I got a call from Big Mooro. He said, ‘Look, the club have a problem with your age’.”
Whilst the decision to allow McAuley to leave the Hawthorns seems a little harsh, the Championship is an incredibly intense league, and at the age of 38, the Northern Irishman might very well have struggled to keep up with the pace this season.
Football can be ruthless at times, and the 38-year-old has found that out the hard way.
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