Everton attacker Yannick Bolasie sent Aston Villa a heartfelt message on Instagram ahead of them facing Derby County in the Championship play-off final.
The 29-year-old, who was loaned out by the Toffees to Villa for part of the 2018/19 campaign, shared that he thought Dean Smith’s team deserved to be back in the Premier League where they belong, and wished them luck for their clash with Derby.
Bolasie also thanked the Villans for their fantastic support during his spell at the club and revealed it was a difficult decision to leave them in January.
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“From having no preseason to finishing off my 2018/19 campaign 38+ games completed,” wrote Bolasie on his personal Instagram.
“I want to thank all Aston Villa, Anderlecht & Everton fans for their support and encouragement throughout my comeback season, I feel like I am finally in Control of my body again with my match confidence growing immensely game by game.
“I would like to thank Everton, Aston Villa & Anderlecht Coaching staff/ Physios for their patience and care during my time at the respected clubs.
“It’s been a mix of emotions, especially on how the season has finished at Anderlecht, missing out on a europa league place.
But I feel it’s important to thank the supporters for their incredible support throughout the season and playoffs.
“One of the most important seasons in my career and I can’t thank everyone enough for helping me get through it. A big thankyou to everyone at Everton FC, especially those behind the scenes who looked after me through a nightmare injury.
“In regards to Aston Villa, I had a great time at the club with some exceptional support from the pride. Leaving in January was a difficult decision for me to make, but my admiration and respect for the club is ingrained in me forever.
“I’d like to wish Aston Villa the best of luck in the playoff finals, as they certainly deserve to be back in the premier league where they rightfully belong!”
OPINION
Bolasie seemed to be feeling reflective on Monday as he thanked the three clubs he had been at during the 2018/19 season. Bolasie had a loan spell at Villa before having another loan spell away from the Toffees at Anderlecht. However it seems the winger has equal appreciation for all three clubs and seems to reflect on his past injury problems. Bolasie suffered a serious knee injured in his 2016/17 season and based on his comments, it’s still something he is trying to get fully over. The 29-year-old winger may have left the Villans under a bit of a cloud in January, as his loan ending came out of nowhere, but it’s worth noting he did contribute to the club’s success this season. Bolasie featured 21 times for Aston Villa, scoring two goals in the process, and who knows without him helping in the first half of the season, the club may have missed out on the play-offs.