Get French Football News exclusively spoke with Aston Villa defensive midfielder Yacouba Sylla regarding his recent loan move to Turkish outfit Kayseri Erciyesspor.
What have you learnt from last season with Aston Villa?
First of all, I want to point out that I have not left permanently. I learnt a lot of things in six months in my first year. The club allowed me to enter into a new dynamic. We succeeded in remaining in the Premier League. That for me was an experience. Then, in my second season, it was a bit of a dark season for me, because I did not play a lot. I only keep the good moments with me even though I have come across certain difficulties. I only have good things to say about my time in Birmingham with Aston Villa.
Why did you choose this Turkish side to go on loan to?
I am not going to lie to you, Kayseri Erciyesspor was one of the only clubs to make an offer of the sides that were interested. It was the only club that was able to bring me in, because it was the only side that made a formal offer. Today, I am 23 years old and I want to participate in the African Cup of Nations (for Mali). Signing here gave me the certainty of game time and it does not bring that problem from Aston Villa here with me in that regard.
Is it possible that you will perhaps stay there after your loan?
At the moment, the principle aim is to get game time, and to start to feel those sensations of playing regularly again. I have a contract with Aston Villa and I will do everything to stay there and continue to play at the top level. We will see at the end of the year (season).
Was the decision to leave Aston Villa a personal one of one made by the club?
It was a personal choice. I have been thinking about it since last year: since December 2013, I wanted to leave on loan. It was not possible because the club and the manager needed me. We have spoken about it since last year and we agreed in a way that it would be possible to leave this season.
Are you annoyed at Aston Villa, considering your current situation at the time of writing?
No I have no bad feelings personally. I have always been serious and a hard worker. I respect the coach’s decisions. That is how it is. In football nothing is certain, we do not always get what we want. I must continue to persevere and work. I am not annoyed at all with them (Aston Villa). It is thanks to them that I was able to make myself known, it is they who took my from Clermont. One must adapt in order to attain and arrive at the very highest level.
What are your aims for the coming season?
Play as many games as possible, play in AFCON, find that feeling of playing regularly and to enjoy myself above all.
[PHOTO: Zimbio]
A.K.
