Gabriel Agbonlahor steps down as Aston Villa captain after admitting: 'I do not deserve to carry out such a role' - Gabby Agbonlahor was pictured partying the night his team were relegated
- Aston Villa have fined the player following an internal investigation
- The 29-year-old has played a bit-part role in Villa's disastrous campaign
- Caretaker manager Eric Black ruled him out of Saturday's game at Watford
- Agbonlahor appologises to fans in Instagram post announcing his decision
- Black confirms investigation set to be concluded 'in the next day or so'
Gabriel Agbonlahor has stepped down as Aston Villa captain, as the club announced he had 'received a substantial fine' following an investigation into his behaviour.The 29-year-old forward has been suspended since April 19 after being pictured partying on the night relegation to the Championship was confirmed.The evening Villa lost to Manchester United he appeared to be inhaling laughing gas despite being put on a two-week fitness regime by caretaker manager Eric Black. And Agbonlahor has now responded by apologising to the fans, and saying he no longer deserves the role of captain.
'I want to begin with an apology to all Aston Villa fans for my actions in recent weeks, especially at a time when it is devastating for everyone involved with the club,' he wrote on his official Instagram account.
'I am stepping down as club captain with immediate effect as I do not deserve to carry out such a role anymore. This role was a huge honour to me and it hurts to have lost it.'I have spent 16 years at Aston Villa and played some memorable games. My celebrations and passion, especially in games against local rivals shows my loyalty to Aston Villa.
'I am asking Aston Villa fans for forgiveness as I'm hurting as well despite reports and photos in the press making out otherwise.
'I agree my performances this season have not been good enough but I will be working hard to make things right! Up The Villa, Villa Till I Die!'
Villa have also confirmed that the investigation has now ended, with Agbonlahor given a heavy fine.
In a statement, the club said: 'Aston Villa Football Club can confirm the investigation concerning Gabby Agbonlahor's conduct has reached a conclusion.
'The player has received a substantial fine and been reminded of his responsibilities as a professional footballer at Aston Villa.
'His suspension is now lifted and he will be available for selection from Monday.
'Gabby has also advised he wishes to relinquish the role of Club captain.'
Even though Agbonlahor has been restored to the running he is unlikely to play again this season.
Black said: 'Gabby should be in the next day or so, it won't put him in the frame for Saturday.'
The club had suspended Agbonlahor after the latest misdemeanor, banning him from their Bodymoor Heath training ground and probing his behaviour – having also reprimanded him for allegedly inhaling shisha during a holiday in Dubai.
Just two weeks earlier Villa were forced to carry out an internal investigation into Agbonlahor's antics after he was pictured apparently smoking a shisha pipe while partying in the Middle East.
He was pictured smoking water-cooled tobacco at the Blue Marlin Ibiza beach club, just hours before he partied at a Dubai nightclub alongside Micah Richards and Crystal Palace duo Dwight Gayle and Fraizer Campbell.
Agbonlahor, who has three England caps and was allowed to travel to the United Arab Emirates during the international break as he no longer features in the England national team's plans, was axed from the Villa squad pending the internal probe.
However, he was later reinstated after the club confirmed no action would be taken against him.
Villa have also now launched a formal investigation into defender Jores Okore, who has been training with the Under-21s after refusing to take a place on the bench.
Villa are bidding to avoid a club-record equaling 11th straight league defeat, set in 1962-63, when they face Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
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