Aston Villa v Everton preview: Emery wants best for Ashley Young - but not tomorrow
Unai Emery has paid tribute to Ashley Young and explained why he decided not to offer the wideman a new Villa deal.
Young returns to Villa Park tomorrow as part of the visiting Everton team, having agreed a one-year deal with the Toffees in the summer following his release.
The 37-year-old expressed some disappointment at being told of Villa’s decision after the final game of last season, meaning he was denied a proper send-off at a club where he made more than 200 appearances across two spells.
Emery yesterday explained how the importance of the last fixture, which saw Villa beat Brighton to secure a return to Europe, was a factor in the timing, while insisting the decision to release Young was merely “tactical”.
He said: “Always I respect the players. I think he (Young) deserved that.
“Our decision made was after we finished the season because the last match we were fighting to be in Europe. The decision with Young was after it.
“It is always difficult to tell someone if your decision is you are not going to continue with them.
