Gabriel Agbonlahor has resigned as club captain of relegated Aston Villa and made an impassioned apology for his recent actions on his official Instagram page.
As BBC Sport reports, the 29-year-old is currently suspended by Villa after being pictured apparently partying on the night that their Premier League fate was confirmed.
Only a month previously, the long-serving striker was the subject of a club investigation after being pictured on holiday in Dubai appearing to hold a shisha pipe.
Caretaker boss Eric Black was also forced to design a specialist fitness programme for Agbonlahor, who has been one of the biggest letdowns of Villa’s embarrassing campaign.
Agbonlahor has tried start his path to redemption with this apology, in which he admits that he no longer deserves the captaincy, but insists that he is ‘Villa till he dies’.
The apology read: “I want to begin with an apology to all Aston Villa fans for my actions in recent weeks, especially at a time when it is devastating for everyone involved with the club.
“I am stepping down as club captain with immediate effect as I do not deserve to carry out such a role anymore. This role was a huge honour to me and it hurts to have lost it.
“I have spent 16 years at Aston Villa and played some memorable games. My celebrations and passion, especially in games against local rivals shows my loyalty to Aston Villa. I am asking Aston Villa fans for forgiveness as I’m hurting as well despite reports and photos in the press making out otherwise.
“I agree my performances this season have not been good enough but I will be working hard to make things right! Up The Villa, Villa Till I Die!
“I would also like to add; numerous fake social media accounts and have been created using my name. This is my official Instagram and I do not use Twitter or Facebook.”
Agbonlahor has only made 13 Premier League starts for Villa this season, scoring two goals. He has 84 goals in 370 games for the Midlands club since making his first-team debut in 2005.
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