Charles N'Zogbia

LATEST NEWS

Charles N'Zogbia was an unused substitute against Norwich last weekend.

He will be eager to play a part in Saturday's game against Chelsea.

WHAT HE SAID

When I came here I tried to offer something different because I felt I was joining a bigger club with big-name players. Maybe I tried too hard, but it just wasn't working. Now I'm determined to just be myself.

I know what I'm capable of and my focus is always to win games.

Joining Villa was a good move for me. It was a difficult first season but I know I can work through that.

WHAT OTHERS SAID

Stan Petrov: He's a strong character and some people need longer to settle and some need shorter. Maybe it took him longer to settle down but he's finally starting to show what he's all about. He's a good lad

MINI BIOGRAPHY

Charles N'Zogbia joined Villa in July 2011 and is expected to make a big impact in claret and blue over the coming years.

He made an instant impact, netting a well-executed finish into the bottom left hand corner on his debut in a pre-season friendly against Braga.

It wasn't long before the wing wizard brought the Villa faithful to their feet either, with his dazzling dancing feet and mesmerising solo runs tricking opposition defences.

N'Zogbia made 32 appearances in claret and blue throughout the 2011-12 season, including stunning finishes against Queen's Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers.

N'Zogbia began his professional career at Newcastle in 2004, after successful periods at SC de Frileuse and Le Havre during his youth.

His Barclays Premier League debut came in a 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in September 2004 - and from then on, he would only flourish at the club.

He featured in 41 matches during his second season on Tyneside, firmly establishing himself as a fan-favourite.

He was also a part of the 2006 Intertoto Cup-winning team.

N'Zogbia made a name for himself in the scoring department, as six goals, including a superb solo effort against fierce rivals Sunderland, sent fans delirious at his skill.

The late Sir Bobby Robson described him as "one of the most naturally gifted players of that age I'd ever seen."

After injury and suspension, N'Zogbia fell out of favour with the Toon, and eventually moved to Wigan, penning a three-and-a-half year deal.

He scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 away victory against Sunderland with a dynamic dribble from the half-way line.

N'Zogbia helped secure Wigan's 2009-10 top-flight status with a goal against Arsenal, marking a stunning comeback to secure a 3-2 victory at the DW.

He was then named Wigan Players' Player of the Year and Supporters' Player of the Year for the same season.

N'Zogbia would then be vital in Wigan's 2010-11 run-in, helping to keep them in the Premier League for a second consecutive season.

He was the club's top scorer with 10 goals, including five vital goals in the last six games of the season.

Most important of the tally was a stoppage-time winner against West Ham, securing their top-flight status in the process.

INTERESTING FACT

Charles N'Zogbia's cousin is Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, the tennis star.