Could John Carew return to save Villa’s season? (video)
33-year-old Norwegian John Carew failed to prove his fitness during a trial with Italian giants Inter Milan last week, sparking rumours that 6ft 5in striker could be set for a return to Villa Park.
The 91 times capped international was released from West Ham United in May and was believed to have retired from the professional game having been unable to find a club since his departure from Upton Park.
In August of last year, Carew had talks with Valerenga about a return to his homeland, the club with which he made a name for himself on the European stage. In spite of former Director of Football Kjetil Siem’s claims that Carew had agreed in 2005 to return to Valerenga in 2012, the Norwegian club were unable to meet Carew’s wage demands.
In January of this year, news transpired that Carew had re-located to Canada in order to pursue an acting career in the film industry, and the former front man posted photos of himself on instagram which showed him holding a decapitated mannequin head. The target man has previously featured in a TV commercial for a fashion channel.
It, therefore, came as a great surprise last month when Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni invited John Carew for a trial at the San Siro. Preferred striker Diego Milito was recently injured in a Europa League match against Romanian side CFR Cluj, leaving Stramaccioni bereft of options up front as his side battle for the third Champions League qualification spot in Serie A with rivals AC Milan and Lazio. However, Carew failed to prove his fitness during his trial and remains a free agent, available for transfer outside of the window.
John Carew was signed for Aston Villa by Martin O’Neill in 2007 and spent four seasons with the Villians, scoring 48 goals. He became a cult hero amongst the Villa faithful, renowned for his power and fantastic aerial ability which played a a great part in the club’s three successive 6th place finishes in the Premier League. Carew’s contribution was acknowledged in 2011 as he was voted as Villa’s 50th greatest ever player by the club supporters.
Under the guidance of Paul Lambert, Villa currently sit in the relegation places of the Premier League having only secured one victory this calendar year.
Carew may be seen as the last throw of the dice for Villa to save their season but may be a viable option as the Birmingham-based side fight to secure their top division status. Should Carew be able to regain his fitness, he and Christian Benteke could form a formidable an potent partnership at the head of the Villa attack as Darren Bent looks to have fallen increasingly out of favour under Paul Lambert.
Should Villa pursue their rumoured interest, Carew could also be used as a late impact player should the Villains be chasing the game in order to win vital points in the upcoming relegation dogfight.
A return for John Carew, no matter how short-term it would be, would certainly be welcome news for Aston Villa supporters.
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