Former Villa midfielder dismisses return talk after 'miss everything' remark
Former Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has dismissed suggestions of a possible summer return after admitting how much he misses the club.
The Brazil international, who moved to Juventus for £42.5million last year, sparked online speculation when answering questions from supporters on social media at the weekend.
Luiz, who spent five years at Villa Park, said: “I miss Aston Villa, guys. I miss playing at Villa Park, I miss everything, it’s always in my heart.”
But he has since moved to play down those comments after his words sparked criticism from some Juve fans.
“When I spoke about Aston Villa I was only referring to the affection for a place where I grew up as a man and a footballer, not the desire to return,” Luiz said on Instagram.
“You must not confuse nostalgia with the desire to return. I love Juventus, and I’m totally focused on our goals.”
Luiz has endured a difficult first season in Italy, starting only six matches in all competitions while struggling with both form and injury.
The 27-year-old made more than 200 appearances for Villa after first joining from Manchester City for £15m in 2019, following their promotion back to the Premier League.
He became an increasingly important player under Unai Emery and was part of the team which qualified for the Champions League last season.
But he was then sold to Juventus in a deal which was critical to Villa complying with profit and sustainability rules and avoiding a points deduction this term.
Villa signed winger Samuel Iling-Junior and midfielder Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus in separate deals at the same time Luiz was sold.
Iling-Junior has spent the season on loan at Bologna and Middlesbrough, while Barrenechea has impressed with Valencia in Spain, starting 23 matches in the First Division.
