Jedinak still holds Palace dear despite exit

Mile Jedinak says it is a case of being gone but never forgetting, after leaving Crystal Palace for Villa Park during the transfer window.

The Australian International was stripped of the Eagles’ captaincy by manager Alan Pardew and had expressed a desire to remain at Selhurst Park.

But the 32-year-old, who made 165 appearances for Crystal Palace, has joined Roberto Martinez’s quest for a return to the Premier League.

That has not dislodged Crystal Palace from his heart though and he says it will remain dear to him and his family, but he is committed to performing for Villa.

(Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

“When you spend five years somewhere, and go through pretty much everything you can with a football club, it was special,” Jedinak said.

“It was a good time in my career, the last five years, and it wasn’t just what we built on the field.

“I was able to start a family in London and so on. It’s a very dear place to my heart and will continue to be.

“If you understand the magnitude of how big a football club Aston Villa is, there’s a lot to be excited about.

“There’s great ambition there to return to the Premier League.

“I know from experience that it will never be easy but that’s the challenge and one I will give my all to.”