Aston Villa has confirmed that Douglas Luiz has joined Juventus
Aston Villa has confirmed that Douglas Luiz has joined Juventus

Douglas Luiz aims dig at Aston Villa as midfielder comes under fire at Juventus

Noel Egan

Noel Egan is Birmingham-born former referee who has previously been licensed by FIFA and officiated games in CONCACAF tournaments, Olympics qualifiers and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He grew up just a short walk from Villa Park and is an Aston Villa season ticket holder to this day. After learning his trade in the UK, Egan moved to Antigua & Barbuda where he's coached in their Premier League and also trained referees. He

Published on

Noel Egan believes Douglas Luiz is desperate to endear himself to Juventus supporters after the midfielder aimed a dig at Aston Villa.

The ex-FIFA official and lifetime Villa supporter doesn't think any supporters will be offended by the Brazillian's recent comments.

While discussing his move to Juventus (via TuttoSport, 7 August), Luiz implied that he is more concerned with the size of the club he is playing for rather than the league they are in.

It comes after ex-Juventus chief Luciano Moggi described the midfielder as "nothing special" (via Birmingham Live, 21 July).

And Egan - speaking exclusively to Villa News - feels that Luiz's comments were a way of responding to Moggi's criticism.

"It didn't surprise me that Luiz said that," Egan said.

"He obviously wants to make sure that he endears himself to Juventus supporters. However, he couldn't say that he was going to a bigger league, and I don't think he could honestly say he's going to a better team.

"Therefore, he said he was going to a bigger club. I don't think any Villa fans will take offence to that. There is no doubt that he said what he did to counter the critique aimed at his arrival at the club."

Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz aims dig at Aston Villa

Whether or not Juventus are a bigger club than Villa can be debated by supporters all day long. In reality, Luiz's comments are no longer relevant at Villa Park.

While this cheap dig no doubt feels unnecessary, and almost feels as though Luiz is describing Villa as a small club, supporters would be wise not to pay too much attention to what the midfielder has to say.

He is no longer a Villa player, and fans will therefore be focussed on Unai Emery and the players at his disposal.

Aston Villa Unai Emery
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has guided the club into the UEFA Champions League

Luiz had a fantastic season for Villa, but with the arrival of some exciting talent such as Amadou Onana, fans are likely to quickly forget about the 26-year-old.

For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

www.astonvillanews.co.uk