Ex-Aston Villa star Thomas Hitzlsperger takes pride in first win over Birmingham City

Jul 23 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

“When I had a chat with Roy, he was saying there are some clubs in there they believe they can be better than. The likes of Stoke, Hull, Wolves, who have also got promoted, they are clubs they will be targeting to beat and finish higher than.

“Birmingham have a chance, of course they have. But as I said, I haven’t really got big feelings for them.”

Stuttgart finished third in the Bundesliga and have Europe on their mind. If it doesn’t quite go according to plan, then the consequences were not lost on Hitzlsperger – he could be playing at Villa Park again.

“We are trying to qualify for the Champions League but if that doesn’t happen then we will be in the Europa Cup, so we might get Villa.

“Even last season I was hoping to face them at some stage, maybe it could be this season.”

Entering the last year of his contract, the 27-year-old said he wasn’t entirely sure what was ahead for him.

A Premier League return perhaps?

“I enjoy it here. I was captain last season, and this, and it’s another step forward for me in my career being captain of a very good Bundesliga side.

“It means a lot and hopefully I can still progress and improve on my game. I think I still have some good years ahead of me.”

“I am just focusing on this season, it’s a bit of an unfair question,” he added. “I have always said it was a great experience being abroad and I learned so much.

“Who knows what will happen in the future? I have enjoyed my time in Stuttgart so far but we will see. I am trying to be very successful with them this season.”