Bent: move motivated by ‘footballing reasons’
Former Sunderland and Villa striker Kevin Phillips claimed Bent’s decision to quit the Black Cats “boils down to pure money”.
But Bent is adamant the ambitions, tradition and size of Villa had been the main factors in him signing a four-and-a-half-year contract.
The 26-year-old is poised to make his debut in Saturday’s home Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City.
When asked about Phillips’ claims, Bent said: “Everyone has different opinions about things.
“I could have gone to West Ham for more money when I left Charlton but chose Tottenham for footballing reasons. It is the same here with Villa.
“People have asked why I swapped a top six club for one currently in the bottom four.
“But I believe Villa are in a false position, they have been sixth for the past three seasons, and it is a new challenge for me.
“Villa are a massive club and, as soon as I knew they were interested, I wanted to be part of it and help get them back to where they belong.”
Bent admits he regrets his goal-laced spell with the Black Cats ending the way it did after just 18 months.
He said: “I am sure Steve Bruce and the fans will be disappointed and I am sorry it ended the way it did.
“But I showed my passion for the club in the two years I was there and now I am looking forward to the future with Villa.”
Villa manager Gerard Houllier also insisted key players Ashley Young and Stewart Downing would not be sold during the January transfer window.
Bent is hoping the duo can provide the kind of service from the flanks which will help him to maintain the prolific form he has shown throughout his career.
He said: “Villa have shown great faith in me and I would like to think I can score the goals they are looking for.
“It helps when you have got very creative players like Ashley and Stewart. They will create chances and it is up to me to put them away.”
Houllier said: “Ashley Young and Stewart Downing are not for sale, simple as that.
“They won’t be leaving. We have had no bids for them.”
Houllier managed to keep his interest in Bent under wraps until 48 hours ago and believes he has signed a player approaching his peak years.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted to have him here and we know he will be a tremendous asset for the months and the years ahead.
“He will be a great asset for years ahead. His arrival will send out a clear message about the ambitions of the football club.
“We have bought him to spearhead our attack and to help build something strong and lasting at our club.
“Darren will be a key element for us. He is 26 and entering the prime of his life. He fits the bill in terms of what we want to achieve long term.”
For his part, Bruce admitted everyone associated with Sunderland is ‘massively let down’ by Bent’s decision to leave.
“It’s hugely disappointing that Darren has decided that his future lies away from Sunderland and the players, our supporters and the club as a whole have every right to feel massively let down,’’ he said.
“The timing is especially hard to take, given that we are progressing positively and are in a great position to push on.’’
Chairman Niall Quinn feels he has got his club the best deal possible for the player.
“Darren has now left the club and it’s important we move on quickly,” he added.
“We’ve worked hard in the last 36 hours to get what we feel is a fair price for him.”
Elsewhere Steven Pienaar has completed his move to Tottenham after signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with the London club.
The 28-year-old midfielder passed a medical at Spurs’ Chigwell training ground last night before putting the finishing touches to his transfer from Everton for a fee believed to be between £2.5m (€2.9m) and £3m (€3.5m).
Earlier confirming his destination on his Twitter account, Pienaar said: “To end speculation I am going to Spurs. I’ve had brilliant years at Everton and it will always be a special place in my heart.”
He later added: “I can also confirm I’ll be jersey number 40.”
Meanwhile Ryan Babel is set to leave Liverpool after the club announced they had accepted an undisclosed bid from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for the Dutch striker.
Babel has been given permission to travel to Germany and discuss personal terms with his prospective new employers.
He has struggled to nail down a first-team place at Anfield and was again on the bench on Sunday during the derby draw with Everton.
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