Source: PA
Reo-Coker just wants to be playing
Nigel Reo-Coker insists the next step in his career will be made for footballing reasons and not financial gain as he set his sights on winning an England spot.
Reo-Coker's current four-year contract with Aston Villa ends this summer and he would be entitled to leave on a Bosman transfer.
Villa are planning talks with Reo-Coker over a new deal and he admits owing a debt to manager Gerard Houllier - currently recovering from a heart problem - for putting him back into the first team.
Reo-Coker said: "I don't care what profession you are in, it makes a difference playing in today's modern Premier League consistently in the team.
"Playing is the most important thing about my future. I won't lie about it, it has been an up-and-down four years for me at Aston Villa. It will be a big decision to make but the most important thing is about playing football. You have to review the whole situation of how your career has panned out for the whole four years."
Reo-Coker added: "I want to stress, it (my future) has never been financial for me. I am going to be 27 next week and it is about playing football. I am entering the so-called peak years of a professional footballer and I still believe the best is yet to come from me. It is going to be a difficult decision and not an easy decision to make but you have to do what is best for your career, your aspirations and your family."
