James Chester was the latest guest on The Official Aston Villa Podcast as he sat down to reflect on his time in claret and blue.
The former Villa defender joined hosts Kate Tracey and Alan McInally at Bodymoor Heath for EP07 of the club's popular podcast, looking back on his 126 appearances and 11 goals over four years, during which he helped secure promotion, was appointed club captain and became a firm fans' favourite.
Chester discussed his arrival in 2016, playing alongside John Terry, 2018 play-off final agony before getting married the next day, Wales' run to the Euros semi-finals, getting promoted to the Premier League in 2019, the challenges of injury and much more.
Aston Villa Podcast EP07
Speaking to The Official Aston Villa Podcast, Chester, now at League Two Salford City, reflected on his final match at Villa Park in December 2019 having returned from a lengthy lay-off due to a knee injury.
“I played in the League Cup game against Liverpool here, and I didn’t know at the time, but that was the last time I played at Villa Park,” he said.
“I think I came off with cramp after about 70-75 minutes, which wasn’t planned, but the whole stadium sang my name as I was coming off.
“That’s something that’s really special to me.”
He continued: “Whenever I think back to that now, it’s something that brings a smile to my face.
“I think the decision to play with my knee (injury) is something I’d make the same decision now, I think, it’s just how I was brought up and how I am as a person.
“Whenever I’m back in Birmingham, that’s the first topic of conversation Villa fans have with me, how pleased they were that I carried on and played for the football club when I was injured.
“I think I just represented the club the way they wanted the football club to be represented.
“I don’t think I’d be the best footballer who ever played for this club, but I think they just appreciated how I applied myself when I was here.”
The Official Aston Villa Podcast is here!
Welcome to our latest regular offering for all supporters, available for free on all your favourite podcast platforms and also in video format on VillaTV+.
Co-hosted by fans’ favourite Alan McInally and VillaTV presenter Kate Tracey, The Official Aston Villa Podcast brings you all things claret and blue.
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