Carew sees Villa as future home

Norway striker John Carew has played down speculation linking him with a summer move to Werder Bremen or Galatasaray and insisted he is happy to stay at Aston Villa.

The giant forward has been a frequent mover in his career but, after just over two years at Villa, he insists he is settled in Birmingham.

“I am very happy here,” Carew said. “I don’t want to leave this club. I love being here and everything about it – the fans, the players, everyone.”

Villa is the seventh professional club Carew has represented in a career that has featured spells at Valencia, Roma and Lyon, but the 29-year-old says his wandering days are over.

“I see no reason why I should leave,” he said. “I am enjoying my football and I am happy to be contributing towards the cause and for the good of Aston Villa.”

Villa boss Martin O’Neill stressed that the club regarded Carew as a valuable asset, despite his similarity in style to Emile Heskey, bought for 3.5 million pounds in January while Carew was injured.

O’Neill said: “Has Carew got a future here? Yes. Is he happy here? Yes. The crowd love him and he responds to that.”