Nigel Reo-Choker axed while he was on holiday

Posted Saturday, July 09, 2011 by The Sun

NIGEL REO-COKER has hit out at Aston Villa chiefs after learning of his release from pals.

The midfielder, who finished last season as captain, was stunned to discover on holiday he was surplus to requirements after four years at Villa.

And now free-agent Reo-Coker, 27, is even considering a move abroad after being overlooked by top clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, who all expressed an interest in him.

He revealed: "Before Gerard Houllier was taken ill and left the club, he said he wanted to sit me down this summer and negotiate a new deal.

"When the season ended, there was no contact from Villa to renegotiate my contract.

"We never sat down together, which I was told would happen. While on holiday, I was getting texts from friends and reading tweets I'd been released.

"I was disappointed. It should've been handled better and with more respect."

New boss Alex McLeish has not been in contact either, despite reports elsewhere to the contrary.

Reo-Coker insists he has had no offer from any club, including West Brom, but his agent has been sounded out by teams in the Premier League and Europe.

But the ex-England Under-21 star will ponder a move abroad if he does not get the right challenge here.

A number of clubs in Italy, Spain and Germany have been tracking Reo-Coker since watching him star in the Europa League for Villa and West Ham.

He added: "It's a new chapter. I want to go to a club where I can challenge for things either in the Premier League or abroad.

"There are options in Europe - and I'm seriously considering them."