Ashley Young points to ‘massive factor’ after signing new Aston Villa contract 

© PA Images Ashley Young Aston Villa May 2022 Aston Villa winger Ashley Young has signed a contract extension and claimed the ambition of the club was key to his new deal. Young, who rejoined Aston Villa on an initial one-year deal last summer, turns 37 this week but has extended his stay by a further 12 months. The former Manchester United player looked set to move on earlier in the summer with former club Watford interested in his services. But on the day that Villa returned to pre-season training, Young penned a new deal. Arsenal and Aston Villa plotting Alexis Sanchez moves SHARE SHARE TWEET SHARE EMAIL Click to expand UP NEXT His versatility and experience will be crucial for Gerrard. And Young says the ambition of the manager helped him to decide to stay. “It was the ambition of the club, the manager, the staff and the players as well,” he told avfc.co.uk. “I got to know the staff and the players really well last season, and I wasn’t ready to go into retirement just yet. “When I spoke to the manager towards the end of the season, he told me what he thought about me and that he wanted me to stay. “He was a massive factor.” Asked about Gerrard’s regime, he said: “I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been a good journey, a bit up and down last season but when a new manager comes in halfway through the season it’s going to be tough. “It was tough at times but we had good times as well and that was a factor in it. His ambition is to get us back into Europe, where I believe the club should be. “That was a massive draw for me. I’ve enjoyed every minute of working with the manager and I’m delighted to have signed another year to continue working with him.” Young made 25 appearances last season for Villa, including 10 Premier League starts. The former England star was used in a whole host of positions by Gerrard including left-back, central midfield, left-wing, right-back and right-wing.

Ashley Young signs new one-year Aston Villa deal 

Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe (left) and Aston Villa's Ashley Young (right). Picture: Joe Giddens/PA Wire. The veteran, who turns 37 on Saturday, was originally named among the club's list of released players but manager Steven Gerrard was keen to keep Young's experience and versatility. Talks have been ongoing for a number of weeks and as a result of Gerrard's desire to keep him, the former England international has now signed on the dotted line to keep him with Villa for another 12 months. Young returned for his second spell at Villa Park last summer and made 25 appearances in claret and blue. He has enjoyed a successful career and won silverware at both Manchester United and Inter Milan, while also winning 39 England caps.

Breaking: Aston Villa confirm new contract deal 

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