‘It’s about what’s right for Aston Villa’
Tyrone Mings has insisted he has ‘no issues’ with Steven Gerrard’s decision to name John McGinn as Aston Villa’s captain ahead of the season.
A statement released by Villa on Wednesday confirmed the Scotland international would replace Mings as captain, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez named vice-captain. Veteran winger/defender Ashley Young has also been installed as club captain.
Gerrard explained decision to Mings
Gerrard said in the statement that he had spoken with Mings to explain his decision, adding that he believed not having the captaincy would allow the England defender to focus on his game.
“Naturally, I have had to have a discussion with Tyrone Mings and have explained my reasons for making this decision,” Gerrard said.
“More importantly, I believe that not having the responsibility of the captaincy will allow Tyrone to focus more on his own game which can only benefit him and the team.”
Mings responds to decision
Minutes after Villa’s statement, Mings posted a response from his Twitter account, explaining he accepted his manager’s decision and was supportive of McGinn.
“For me this isn’t about John or I, it’s about what’s right for Aston Villa,” Mings tweeted. “I have no issues with the manager’s decision; I’ve loved leading this team. Anyone who knows @jmcginn7 knows how infectious he is and it will be an honour to play underneath his captaincy.”
For me this isn’t about John or I, it’s about what’s right for Aston Villa. I have no issues with the managers decision; I’ve loved leading this team. Anyone who knows @jmcginn7 knows how infectious he is and it will be an honour to play underneath his captaincy 🙏🏽💜 https://t.co/HwRawnf1ih
— Tyrone Mings (@TyroneMings) July 27, 2022
“John has demonstrated that he is ready to take on the captaincy through his performances on the pitch combined with his attitude and application in training,” Gerrard said.
“He is a popular member of the dressing room who sets high standards and expectations of himself.
“Emi is a respected senior member of the squad while Ashley Young’s experience speaks for itself and he is the perfect ambassador for the first team.”
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