 Laursen joined Villa from AC Milan for �3m in 2004 |
Martin Laursen knows he will have to play regularly for Aston Villa next season if he is to earn a new contract. Persistent injuries have restricted the 29-year-old Danish centre-back to only 28 games for Villa since they signed him from AC Milan for �3m in May 2004.
Laursen said: "My Villa career has been frustrating - I haven't played enough.
"I have one season left on my contract and next season is a big one for me. I would love a new deal but Villa need to see I am fit. I've got to play really."
At one stage Laursen considered retiring because of a long-term knee problem.
But he recovered and showed his pedigree when he played the final seven games of last season - during which time Villa were unbeaten.
"It irritates me I have not been able to give more back in terms of value for money but there has been nothing I have been able to do about that," Laursen added.
"It has been bad luck. I don't feel I can blame myself. I have done everything I can to get back as soon as possible."
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