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Alpay 'may return to Premiership'
LONDON, England -- Turkey defender Alpay Ozalan may play again in the English Premier League despite his departure from Aston Villa, his agent revealed. Mujdat Gurel claimed Alpay had several offers, including Hertha Berlin, but surprisingly kept the door open to playing again in England. Alpay was panned by the British media and Villa fans after his much publicised confrontation with England captain David Beckham during the decisive Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul. "In the light of recent events, it would have been difficult for Alpay to represent Aston Villa again in the future....." Villa chairman Doug Ellis told the club's official website. ".....and the player himself was aware that life in England had become increasingly difficult for him and his family." But Gurel revealed: "Alpay was not happy in Birmingham. But will there be the possibility of playing in the Premiership again? Why not?" The parting of the ways with Villa was inevitable, because Alpay had become as unpopular with the club's fans as he is with the general footballing public after the bust-up with Beckham. Alpay enjoyed a successful first 18 months at Villa. But his career there went downhill after he suffered a serious ankle injury against Leicester in November 2001. Alpay taunted Beckham after he missed a penalty during the 0-0 draw that secured England's place in Portugal next year and sent Turkey into a playoff with Latvia. The burly defender stuck a finger in the Real Madrid star's face as they left the pitch at halftime --and seconds later there was a tussle in the tunnel between players from both teams. Alpay, however, told a Turkish TV interviewer that Beckham had spat on his shirt and should be the first to apologise. Pictures were published of an effigy of Alpay hanging from a lamp-post and Villa manager David O'Leary granted him leave of absence. "If I can stay I will and if not I have received unbelievable offers from Germany and Italy in the last week," said Alpay who returned to training with Villa two days ago.
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