Ulises de la Cruz has spelt out his desire to leave Aston Villa after being frozen out.
Ulises de la Cruz has spelt out his desire to leave Aston Villa after being frozen out of the first-team picture.The Ecuador international was taken to Villa Park from Hibernian in the summer of 2002 by then-manager Graham Taylor.
He proved a regular in previous campaigns, but after picking up a calf injury earlier this term has struggled to force his way back into David O'Leary's first XI.
The full back has made just two appearances so far this season and last started a game for Villa at the beginning of October in the home defeat to Middlesbrough when he was substituted at half time.
De la Cruz admits he is at a low ebb having been overlooked for so long and is now desperate to move on in January to try and safeguard his place in Ecuador's World Cup squad.
"I need to leave," the 31-year-old told Sky Sports News. "I need to play - for the World Cup and to get the confidence back.
"This is my opportunity, I'm 31 and need to have the opportunity to move to play for the World Cup.
"I was very happy at Aston Villa - I would say 'thank you very much' - but the last months have changed and it has been very frustrating.
"I need to move and change direction for the World Cup."
