Gabriel Agbonlahor has relinquished his position as Aston Villa club captain and admitted he does “not deserve to carry out such a role anymore”.
The former England striker is suspended by Villa after he was pictured out with friends immediately after their relegation this month.
“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,” Agbonlahor wrote on Instagram.
“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!”
Earlier on Thursday, Villa’s caretaker manager Eric Black said the club’s investigation into Agbonlahor’s behaviour is set to conclude in the next 24 hours. Regardless of the club’s action Agbonlahor – who had been put on a personal fitness plan before his ban – will not to feature in the Premier League trip to Watford on Saturday, as the club look to avoid a club record-equalling 11th successive defeat.
Black said: “With Gabby the investigation is ongoing. Gabby should be [completed] in the next day or so, it won’t put him in the frame for Saturday.”
Agbonlahor is Villa’s longest serving current player and their record Premier League goalscorer, having scored 73 times since his debut in 2006.
The club are also investigating Jores Okore after the defender said he was not in the right frame of mind to be on the bench for the 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth this month. The Denmark international is training with the under-21s.
Villa lost 4-2 against Southampton on Saturday with Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Leandro Bacuna and Brad Guzan jeered by supporters. But Black, who replaced Rémi Garde last month, insisted that none of his players had expressed any concerns about their treatment from the terraces.
He said: “Nobody has come and spoken to me about it – they are professional footballers and have to put up with things which are difficult. I have to focus on getting them ready to play. It’s not an easy time for the club.”
Libor Kozak is due for an operation on his ankle while Micah Richards is a doubt with a knee injury and Kieran Richardson has a calf issue, along with Ciaran Clark.
