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‘Not my problem’ - Aston Villa ace Jhon Duran hits back at critics with attitude claim
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has refuted the suggestion that he needs to rein in his competitive attitude and has vowed not to change his mindset.
Duran has become a fan favourite for his timely goals, with his most memorable so far coming in the 1-0 Champions League win over Bayern Munich in October. Part of the endearment towards the Colombian is the heart-on-sleeve emotion he can show in games.
This was exemplified in a subsequent European tie against Bologna last month, when the 20-year-old was angered by being taken off after scoring. The Villa attacker was seen punching the seats in the dugout and throwing down tape in disgust at Unai Emery’s decision.
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He ended up walking down the tunnel before rejoining his teammates at full-time. “I have no problem with his reaction,” Emery said post-match.
“Every message we send in the dressing room is about respect and having our values. Some young players can react a little bit but it is under my control.”
However, some onlookers are less satisfied and a handful on social media have called for Duran to have more self-control. Several still take issue with Duran for performing the ‘Irons’ symbol on a social media livestream over summer amid transfer links with West Ham.
But Duran, who has eight goals in 16 matches - or 580 minutes, the equivalent to just under six-and-a-half full matches - has rubbished the criticism of his attitude. The youngster says he will not apologise for his natural character.
“I’m self-confident, I have always lived like that and I say things to whoever I have to tell, maybe some don’t like it, that’s not my problem,” he told ESPN Colombia . “I keep working, the bad streaks and the good ones are part of the game.
“It’s work, you have to learn to know how to work, behave like another person on the team, whatever the coach decides and when it’s time to participate. The collective leads to the personal.”
On dealing with increasing fame, he added: “I’m still the same. There are people who don’t know me and talk, talking from outside is very easy. I am happy not to change, the achievements and the money are momentary.”
Duran insists he is content at Villa despite starting just three games so far, none of which have come in the Premier League ahead of Saturday's clash with Liverpool. He underscored that he is putting the team ahead of any personal ambition.
“I continue to work on the team, then on the individual,” Duran continued. “I am happy with what is happening with him at the club.
“There are good and bad things, it is normal, everyone has their point of view on life. The important thing is that I am working, I am calm.”
Duran further added: “To be where we [Villa] are, we have to work hard. It is normal to feel tired at times, but we take a break and continue working to take the team to the top.
“We are doing a good job. I work for myself, for my family. I continue to work calmly, I work for the bad times that will come at some point.”
