Lucas Digne
Lucas Digne (Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne admits he doesn't know what the future holds for him as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract with the club - but he reflects on this campaign, as it reaches its conclusion, with immense satisfaction having played regularly and having achieved plenty for club and country.
Left-back Digne, who turns 32 this summer, signed for Villa for a decent sum of money from Premier League rivals Everton, during the first transfer window of Steven Gerrard back in the winter of 2022.
Despite the signings of Alex Moreno and Ian Maatsen in the intervening period, Digne has largely remained first choice when fit and available to Unai Emery and has even forced his way back into the international reckoning with his native France since joining the club over three years ago.
Digne signed a four and a half year contract when joining Villa from the Toffees, and will move into the final year of that deal at the beginning of next season. What the future holds for him, he isn't too sure at this moment in time - and neither is he concentrating on what lies ahead, certainly not beyond these games against Tottenham and Manchester United, anyway.
"I'm happy at Aston Villa, but I only have one year left on my contract, so I don't know what will happen in my next chapter," he told Foot Mercato. "I'm not thinking about it, because I only have one goal: I just want to finish the season well, enjoy my football, always work hard and give the best of myself so that my team continues to be successful.
"Personally, I really enjoyed this season... and yes, I appreciate my statistics in defense and attack, because these two aspects are important for a left-back. I feel like I'm at my best as a footballer and with experience, you become a smarter player."
A player who had built an impressive body of work throughout his playing career prior to signing for Villa, Digne was one figure in the Lions' dressing room who had prior Champions League experience ahead of this campaign, in which the club impressed by reaching the quarter finals of the competition.
The Frenchman, who previously played for Roma and Barcelona before moving to England, believes he is still in great shape even at this stage of the season when footballers - especially with the workload and schedule Villa have had this season - could be forgiven for tiring. Having gone so deep in different competitions, Digne insists they all want more next season.
"I feel like I'm playing the best football of my career," he claimed. "I'm constantly improving. It's a great feeling to keep improving thanks to experience, optimal physical condition and the thirst for success for the team. I have loved this season, whether with Aston Villa or with France.
"I think I've played 50 matches this season, for club and country, but even though it's late in the season, my legs are still fresh and I love playing football, so I don't need a summer break. This schedule demands a lot from every player, the team, everyone at the club.
"Personally, I know that from the other clubs I've played for in the Champions League, and Emery, of course, knows that perfectly, but Villa, as a club, aren't used to this and need to gain experience, but this is where we want to be. Success is a drug. When you taste it, you want more. We want to succeed in every competition we enter. It's been another incredible season for us. There's no doubt about that."
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Aston Villa 150th Anniversary
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