Aston Villa favourite returns to the club a decade after exit

Marc Albrighton has returned to Aston Villa in a coaching capacity a decade after leaving the club as a player.

The 34-year-old has started coaching on a part-time basis at Bodymoor Heath after he announced his playing days were over back in August following his departure from Leicester City after the end of last season.

The winger made 310 Premier League appearances, most notably for the Foxes - who he helped win the title in the 2015-16 season - and Villa, his boyhood club. He made a total of 102 appearances for Villa, scoring nine goals and providing 19 assists during his time in claret and blue.

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Announcing his retirement on Instagram, Albrighton posted: "As a footballer, there comes a day when you must hang up your boots, and I've often wondered how it would feel when my time came. Now that this day has arrived, I find myself filled with gratitude and peace.

"From the moment I kicked my first ball as a young boy, my dream was always to play for Aston Villa. To have achieved that once would have been more than enough. Yet, to play over 100 games for my boyhood club is something I will forever by immensely proud of.

"What followed was a decade of extraordinary moments that I could have never imagined in my wildest dreams. Ten unforgettable years at Leicester City, winning major trophies, playing and scoring in the Champions League, and forming lasting bonds with incredible people at such a special and unique club.

"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported me along the journey - the staff, managers, coaches, owners, my agent, Tim, and, of course, my team-mates. Without you, none of this would have been possible."

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