Anwar El Ghazi reveals Aston Villa prayers as reunion with Cardiff confirmed
Anwar El Ghazi has sent an emotional message after it was confirmed he is set to come up against his former club Aston Villa in the next round of the FA Cup.
El Ghazi spent three-and-a-half years with the Midlands club between the summer of 2018 and January 2022, when he departed to join Everton on loan.
During his time with Aston Villa, El Ghazi won a number of plaudits for his performances, which helped the club win promotion back to the Premier League in 2019.
He left the Premier League after Everton elected not to turn El Ghazi’s loan move into a permanent transfer at the end of the 2021/22 season.
However, the winger returned to the EFL system at the start of the current campaign when he signed a one-year contract with Championship side Cardiff City, which will now bring him back into contact with his old club.
Anwar El Ghazi opens up on Aston Villa reunion
On Saturday (8 February), Cardiff confirmed their place in the fifth round of this season’s FA Cup with victory over second-tier rivals Stoke City on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw.
The following day Aston Villa did the same with a 2-1 win over Tottenham, thanks to goals from Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers.
Subsequently, the draw for the fifth round of the competition confirmed that Unai Emery‘s side will host El Ghazi’s Cardiff at Villa Park.
That ensures the winger will be able to play at the home of his old club again, something he is clearly delighted by the prospect of, and had been hoping for.
Taking to X to react to news of that FA Cup draw, the former Aston Villa winger wrote: “Was praying for this draw. Can’t wait to walk out at Villa Park with Cardiff and play in front of the Holte End again!”
Aston Villa return to be emotional for Anwar El Ghazi
Football Insider Verdict
It seems clear that it is going to mean a lot for El Ghazi to get the chance to play at Villa Park again in the FA Cup.
His spell with Aston Villa was largely successful and gave him the opportunity to experience Premier League football during his career.
It is therefore unsurprising that the club means a lot to him, especially given the bond he appears to have with the supporters too.
But given Aston Villa may see this as a chance for silverware with the way the draw has opened up, it could be a tough afternoon on the pitch for El Ghazi and his Cardiff teammates.