Glenn Whelan makes a joke about joining Real Madrid after a difficult exit

Glenn Whelan unveiled the bad luck he knew that he had been released by Aston Villa – and made fun of a move to Real Madrid now on the cards.

Aged 35, currently in international service with the Republic of Ireland, is one of eight players eliminated by Villa this summer.

However, the veteran star was not available when his manager, Dean Smith, called him a few days after the club's final victory in the Sky Bet Championship against Derby.

Whelan said, "There is only one disappointment for me. I left on Tuesday with the family and when I landed here on Tuesday, I missed two calls, one from a reporter saying I would have been released and the other from the manager to call him.

"From this point of view, it was disappointing, but it's something I expected to be honest."

Whelan, who has been badociated with a player / coaching role in his former club, Stoke, insists that he will leave Villa Park head high.

Asked about the victory at Wembley, he said: "It was a beautiful day, a great opportunity. I signed two years at Aston Villa to make them return to the Premier League and I got them there, so for me, mission ended.

"Being released was not a surprise, it's obviously at what stage of my career I find myself and where Aston Villa wants to go.

"I am very happy with what I have accomplished in recent seasons."

Whelan finally spoke to Smith and insisted that the two men separate on good terms.

He said: "We just congratulated ourselves, we wish each other the best and that's all. There was no resentment – I've been in the game for too long to hold a grudge.

"No, listen, I wish all the success to Aston Villa, I thank them for the time I spent there, as well as the fans and all the people involved. We had a good time.

When asked about his intention to play, the midfielder said with a smile, "Absolutely. I just had Real Madrid on the phone before going home. "

Villa, for its part, also has an agreement with Ross McCormack that will allow the Scottish striker to leave Villa Park one year before the expiry of his contract.

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