BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) Gabby Agbonlahor has quit as Aston Villa captain and apologized for his off-field conduct.
The forward was pictured in a newspaper with what look like nitrous oxide - or laughing gas - canisters on the same night that Aston Villa’s relegation was confirmed after losing to Manchester United this month.
Villa announced that Agbonlahor’s suspension from the club has been lifted, while he has been fined.
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Agbonlahor wrote on his Instagram account: “I am stepping down as club captain with immediate effect, as I do not deserve to carry out such a role anymore ... it hurts to have lost it.”
Agbonlahor is Villa’s longest serving current player and their record English Premier League goal-scorer, having netted 73 times since his debut in 2006.