Djemba-Djemba regrets late return
Aston Villa midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba has personally apologised to manager David O’Leary following his late return from the African Nations Cup.
The Cameroon international was fined by the club after he returned to his home country instead of rejoining Villa earlier this month.
“I would like to apologise to everyone connected with Aston Villa for my extended absence from the club following international duty,” he told www.avfc.co.uk.
“I realise now that my conduct was not acceptable and accept that my actions showed a lack of respect to the manager, the club and its supporters.
“I have had a very constructive meeting with David O’Leary and his assistant Roy Aitken and expressed my regret and offered my apologies for my extended absence. The matter has been dealt with internally and I accept the outcome of the discussions.”
The 24-year-old former Manchester United player hopes he will be forgiven by supporters who were angered by his failure to return.
“I wish to make it clear that I remain fully committed to Aston Villa and intend to concentrate on playing an active part in the remainder of the season,” he said.
“I know I have done wrong and I understand why supporters may have been disappointed and angry at my actions but I ask them, and everyone connected with the club, to accept my apology and join me in focusing on the remainder of the season for the benefit of Aston Villa.”
