The former French star was upset during his time in Aston Villa mainly due to the treatment he received from his own boss at that time.
For some players, the managers’ treatment can be quite impactful to the players’ growth or reputation. Unfortunately, not all of which could be positive. That was exactly what happened to the former French star who spent longer time in England than his native land in his career till his retirement, David Ginola.
Ginola was already star in Newcastle and Tottenham before moving to Villa Park in summer 2000. At that time he was already 33 years old, but hoped to revitalize his career with the West Midlands side after being forced out on sale by Spurs.
Unfortunately, his spell in Aston Villa was not memorable. In fact, it was more hurtful to remember considering his relation with his manager at that time, John Gregory, as reported in Sky Sports.
“I felt humiliated and I think they tried to destroy my name and destroy the image I have tried to build since arriving in England all those years ago.”
The former PSG man slammed his ex-boss for his lack of clear communication.
“If someone decides I`m not playing and wants another guy for my position, fair enough. But the lack of communication with Gregory made things very difficult. When you reach a certain age, people should have the decency to talk to you.
“There was a complete lack of respect for me and for what I have achieved, and especially for what I am as a person. And I don’t know why.”
Ginola then went on how he had strived to be in form with the team but it still did not end as expected.
“I didn’t give up. I can walk away from Villa knowing I conducted myself in the right way. I was never late for training, always had a smile in the dressing room and always did the job I was asked to do.
“I was the nicest guy in the dressing room, but I wasn’t about to go on bended knee to ask for any favours. But, step by step, a couple of people destroyed everything.
“I was banished from football by those people and for a footballer who can`t play, you take away the most important thing in his life after his family – and that’s what my life was like for the last year and a half.
“What happened to me at Villa was the worst thing to do to a man who has pride. The treatment was the worst I have known in my career.”
Meanwhile, from John Gregory’s point of view, the Frenchman was not considered fit enough to perform well and consistently in the Premier League. He commented on his former player as reported in BBC.
“He has taken some time to get to full fitness and is carrying a bit of timber. Once he has shed that he should be OK. He is aware of the fitness levels that are required and it’s up to him to lose the excess.
“It’s up to David whether he moves. He hasn’t been late for work yet but all this time in a car is bound to tire him. I have no complaints about his attitude but he has to decide whether he wants to be a bit part player here or a real star.”
The winger who was only capped 17 times with Les Blues eventually only made 41 appearances, registering five goals and five assists. Perhaps his most famous goal was when he netted his first against Manchester City in December 2000. It was an equaliser which salvaged Villa from the loss at home. Both sides shared spoils in a 2-2 draw.
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