VAGNER FEELING THE LOVE FOR VILLA
CSKA Moscow striker Vagner Love says Aston Villa have been a "revelation" this season as he prepares to face Martin O'Neill's men in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday.
The Brazilian striker hopes CSKA can emulate rivals Zenit St Petersburg, who won the UEFA Cup last year.
But he admits that Villa's form so far this season makes them a difficult proposition in the last 32 clash.
"The match against Aston Villa is not easy," said Love, who has won 21 caps for Brazil. "They are the revelation of this season's Premier League.
"This round of the UEFA Cup will be hard for us against Villa, but I am optimistic and believe that the second leg in Moscow will be very important for us.
"We have a great team at CSKA and we dream of winning the UEFA Cup this year - that is our goal."
CSKA are about to start their domestic season after a long winter break. But Love believes that they will be sharp and ready for their game against Villa, who are third in the Premier League.
"I do not think the break in the winter affect us too much," he continued. "This team is very professional and has responded positively when we have had to play early in the season in previous years.
"The key for us is to score at least one goal in Birmingham."
And Love, who almost moved to Tottenham in the January transfer window, has said that he in not interested in putting himself in the shop window for the summer by playing well against Premier League opposition.
He added: "I have nothing to prove in this round. It is true that there have been rumours about English clubs being interested in me, but I am in Moscow at the moment."
CSKA Moscow striker Vagner Love says Aston Villa have been a "revelation" this season as he prepares to face Martin O'Neill's men in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday.
The Brazilian striker hopes CSKA can emulate rivals Zenit St Petersburg, who won the UEFA Cup last year.
But he admits that Villa's form so far this season makes them a difficult proposition in the last 32 clash.
"The match against Aston Villa is not easy," said Love, who has won 21 caps for Brazil. "They are the revelation of this season's Premier League.
"This round of the UEFA Cup will be hard for us against Villa, but I am optimistic and believe that the second leg in Moscow will be very important for us.
"We have a great team at CSKA and we dream of winning the UEFA Cup this year - that is our goal."
CSKA are about to start their domestic season after a long winter break. But Love believes that they will be sharp and ready for their game against Villa, who are third in the Premier League.
"I do not think the break in the winter affect us too much," he continued. "This team is very professional and has responded positively when we have had to play early in the season in previous years.
"The key for us is to score at least one goal in Birmingham."
And Love, who almost moved to Tottenham in the January transfer window, has said that he in not interested in putting himself in the shop window for the summer by playing well against Premier League opposition.
He added: "I have nothing to prove in this round. It is true that there have been rumours about English clubs being interested in me, but I am in Moscow at the moment."
Labels: Aston Villa, CSKA Moscow, UEFA Cup, Vagner Love
