Source: Team_Talk
Bent: I'm here for the long haul
Darren Bent insists he has no intention of being the next high-profile departure from Aston Villa, saying: "I'm more than happy to be here."[LNB] The England international was drafted in by Villa last season to provide a cutting edge up front and help steer the club clear of relegation trouble.[LNB]He repaid their faith with interest, with nine goals in 16 games suggesting that he was worth every penny of his £24million transfer fee.[LNB]That success was achieved with international colleagues Stewart Downing and Ashley Young providing the ammunition from the flanks.[LNB]Villa will be forced to adopt a different approach in 2011/12, though, as Downing has been sold to Liverpool and Young has moved on to Manchester United.[LNB]Bent could be forgiven for thinking that he has been left short-changed, after his sterling efforts last season, but he is adamant that he will not be heading for the Villa Park exits any time soon.[LNB]He said: "Obviously what Stewy and Ash did was for their careers - Manchester United and Liverpool are two of the biggest clubs in the world, so they've got their reasons for doing it.[LNB]"But me, I'm more than happy to be here and play for Aston Villa. It's a terrific football club.[LNB]"I'd like to be here for the long haul. I want to build on that and hopefully this season will be as successful as last."
