Exclusive interview with Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor

Mar 26 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

“It would mean such a lot to me,” Agbonlahor said.

“You look at the quality of the teams and how well the English sides are doing and it makes you more determined to push in and do the same.’’

There is also the possibility of Arsenal lifting the Champions League trophy in Rome and thus condemning Villa to the Europa League even if they finish fourth.

“There’s that possibility,” admits Agbonlahor.

“And if they did win it and we missed out, I’d be devastated.

“If they got to the final I’d have to go to the game and support the opposition.

“Arsenal are obviously a good team with a lot of quality players but I think it will be hard for them to win with the quality of teams left in the competition.

“But for us, finishing fourth and missing the Champions League would definitely be worse than finishing sixth last year and not getting into the UEFA Cup.

“It would really be painful.”

■ Gabby Agbonlahor is backing players from the Birmingham area to “Show Your Five” in a nationwide tournament.

Barclays Premier League stars will drop in to see the action from more than 200 tournaments at Powerleagues across the country as each of the teams vie to be crowned their city’s top team.

Winners from each city will then go head-to-head at the national final for the title of Nike5 Champions.

For more info visit www.nikefootball.com or go to your local Powerleague.