Troy Deeney acknowledged the possibility of joining rival team Aston Villa, but specified that he would only consider it if he could bring along a component from Birmingham City.
Troy Deeney, a devoted supporter of his former club Birmingham City, disclosed that he could have potentially represented both Birmingham City and arch-rivals Aston Villa in the Second City derby.
Speaking on White & Jordan, Deeney emphasized the magnitude of the rivalry between the West Midlands clubs, likening it to the intensity of the Arsenal-Tottenham rivalry. Despite his allegiance to Birmingham City, Deeney admitted to considering the prospect of playing for Villa, revealing an opportunity that arose earlier in his career.
However, he encountered a dilemma when Villa requested him to remove his Birmingham City tattoo as part of the deal. When pressed by Jim White about the possibility of wearing a Villa shirt, Deeney admitted, “I had an opportunity to, yeah.” Nevertheless, he ultimately declined the offer due to the insistence on removing his cherished Birmingham City tattoo.
Born in Birmingham and residing just six miles from St Andrew’s, Deeney’s connection to Birmingham City runs deep, evident from his tattoo of the club’s crest on his leg. Although he later played for Birmingham City from 2021 to 2023, Villa’s interest had surfaced years earlier, particularly after his impressive goal-scoring record with Watford in the Championship.
Despite the allure of potentially joining Villa, Deeney’s allegiance to Birmingham City and the sentiment attached to his tattoo made the proposition unfeasible. Reflecting on the situation, Deeney acknowledged the challenges he would have faced within his Birmingham-supporting family had he chosen to play for Villa.
Ultimately, Deeney’s decision to prioritize his loyalty to Birmingham City over the opportunity to join Villa highlights the enduring significance of club allegiance in football.