Aston Villa outcast Frederic Guilbert completes his move to Strasbourg

Aston Villa defender Frederic Guilbert, 28, has completed his move to RC Strasbourg. 

The 28-year-old has only played one game for Villa in the last three seasons, and he has been unhappy with his lack of game-time under Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery.

Sportsmail previously reported how his contract was set to be cancelled before joining Strasbourg – where he has spent the previous two seasons on loan – making 32 appearances.

Aston Villa defender Frederic Guilbert has completed his move to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg

Guilbert joined the Villans from Caen back in 2019 and made 29 appearances during the 2019-20 season.

However, he has not made a Premier League appearance for Villa since that campaign after Matty Cash joined the club from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2020.

After playing once under Gerrard last season in a Carabao Cup game against Barrow, he never featured again.

The club confirmed his departure on Tuesday and a statement said: ‘Aston Villa Football Club would like to thank Frederic for his efforts while at the club and wish him all the best in his future career.’

French defender Guilbert has made just one appearance for Villa since the 2019-20 campaign

Guilbert thanked Aston Villa fans for their support after his exit from the club was confirmed

Taking to Twitter, Guilbert added: ‘After more than 3 years spent here, it is with many shared feelings that I leave Aston villa by mutual agreement.

‘I would like to address you, supporters, to thank you for all the moments we have been able to share. Thank you for the support, thank you for your many messages, thank you for welcoming my family beautifully.

‘Finally, I would also like to thank the people who have accompanied me during the last 6 months, especially all the young U23s as well as all the staff members. I wish the Aston Villa club and all the teams a nice continuation for the future.’ 

Guilbert has previously opened up on his lack of time under Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery

When talking about his Villa career last month, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail, Guilbert had said: ‘When Steven Gerrard arrived, he told me I had two weeks to prove myself but then I barely played 45 minutes.

‘I made the decision to shut up and keep working. Because, if I yelled, it wouldn’t have changed anything. And now I’m looking to the future.

‘With Unai Emery, I have never had a discussion. I can’t stay in this situation forever. We are studying the possibilities with my entourage; whether it is a loan with an option to buy or a straight transfer.

‘The only certainty is that I have to have playing time at a club to revive myself. This is the most important thing for me.’

Guilbert, who won a sole cap for France Under-21s back in 2015, joins a Strasbourg team who are 16th in Ligue 1 and only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.