Aston Villa FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Gerard Houllier

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Quit talk depresses Bouma

27 Jun 2009 - 17:55:03

Click To Enlarge

Aston Villa defender Wilfred Bouma has denied suggestions that he may be forced to quit the game.

The 31-year-old Netherlands international missed almost all of last season after being injured in an Intertoto Cup tie against Odense 11 months ago.

He was expected to return to first-team action after he played a reserve team match in March but was forced to have another operation.

It was claimed on Friday that Bouma may be forced to hang up his boots but he has hit back at the speculation, telling the Express & Star: "I have been doing rehab work for two weeks now and things are going really great.

"To read newspaper stories with that sort of speculation is really frustrating for me because it's progressing well. I have had a lot of calls, even from my friends in Holland, asking me about the stories.

"When people read things like this, some believe them. But things are going really well. I have to build up slowly now - some walking and general strengthening. I hope to start jogging during pre-season.

"I don't want to rush back. It's got to be right. There's no set date for my comeback but it's looking good and I'm in good spirits."