Reo-Coker: made good choice

Nigel Reo-Coker has defended his actions in leaving West Ham to join Aston Villa this summer. Reo-Coker has admitted that leaving the club was a huge boost for his career.

Speaking to Aston Villa's official website, Reo-Coker had said,

"It was just an easy decision for me to move to Villa. It is great for any young player to get an opportunity like this and it is really nice to get away from London if you do take your football seriously.

"I had to get away. Some young players might need their family and friends around them to support them - they might need family ten or 15 minutes away, but I think I am a little bit more mature than that and realise the world is my oyster.

"My family are still only an hour-and-a-half away and they still support me, but they also know this is my occupation. It is what I want to do and what I love. It has been a breath of fresh air coming up here; I can come to Villa Park, do my work, train hard and then go home and just rest.

"Being here it is all about football. There are fewer distractions here, fewer friends calling on me and suggesting we go out or do this and that. It is an individual thing whether players prefer London or Birmingham, but for me it is all about being a professional - a professional footballer. For me the move to Birmingham was an opportunity I couldnÂ’t turn down.

"In London there are a lot of events and a lot of promotions - a lot of things happening. It has been great for me to get out of the mediaÂ’s eye.

"I read stories that apparently this player has been at this nightclub and apparently done this or that. There is always stuff plastered on internet gossip columns.

"Of course some people will read that story and believe everything they read without knowing the facts or the truth. I am happy now just to be focussing on the football and I am enjoying it.

"Coming to such a big club with such a great heritage and to play for one of the best managers in Europe, someone who is so well respected in the game was an easy choice.

"I have always been a football fan, so I always had a good idea about Villa. I have always known they are a big club and I have always been a big fan of Martin OÂ’Neill."