Delaney resigned to leaving Villa

The Wales defender, who has suffered a string of injuries during his seven-year spell at the club, is out of contract in the summer.

"I've had the operation and things went well," said the 30-year-old.

"But I will be out of action for four to six months and it looks as if I've kicked my last ball for Aston Villa."

Renowned knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman, who conducted the operation, said he could not assure Delaney that he would be back playing in the Premiership.

"The surgeon has said he can't give me any guarantees about my career and said there was no guarantee that I'll be able to play at the highest level," added Delaney.

"He has done everything in his power to help me continue playing - wherever that may be. I hope I can come back and play football somewhere else.

"I'm just so sad that I look like not having another chance to play in front of the Villa fans, who have been fantastic towards me in all my time at the club.

"They've always given me their full backing - and I won't forget that."

Delaney's only appearance in the Villa line-up this season was as a non-playing substitute against Newcastle last August.

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