Tony Xia promises to let Aston Villa fan 'kiss the trophy'
Tony Xia has bounced back from cardiology surgery by promising a 73-year-old supporter he can kiss the trophy if Villa win the European Cup again in his lifetime.
The ambitious owner has been in recovery since going under the knife just over two weeks ago, and has lost 12 pounds from the process.
But he was fit enough yesterday to give a keynote speech at a Chinese Soccer Convention.
When he took over the club in June 2016, Xia told fans he wanted to win the Champions League within the next eight or ten years, even though Villa had just been relegated to the Championship. This week, he reiterated that aim.
“The long term mission unchanged,” he said. “If we can't achieve in eight/ten years, we do 20 years, if 20 years not enough, I'll fight through my whole life.”
When 73-year-old supporter Andrew Turton said he hoped it was earlier, Xia responded: “I'd like push it faster, Andrew. If we could make it in less years, I promise you can kiss the trophy with us.”
Despite surgery, Xia has been keeping fans updated on transfer business on social media, and Steve Bruce is reportedly eyeing up potential swoops for two affordable midfielders.
It's believed they are among several clubs keeping tabs on Burton Albion’s Jackson Irvine and are looking into Celtic winger Gary Mackay-Steven.
