Wesley names best Aston Villa performance and makes Jack Grealish admission
Aston Villa news | Wesley suffered a season-ending injury on New Year's Day against Burnley
by James Rushton, https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/authors/james-rushton/Aston Villa record signing Wesley Moraes didn't expect his season to end in agony at Turf Moor.
It wasn't the damning disappointment of relegation that ended 19/20 for Wesley - one of few natural conclusions to the current season that is suspended due to the coronavirus crisis - but a vicious tackle from the Clarets' Ben Mee that sent the tough Brazilian to the floor in a heap.
However, before the striker suffered the ligament injury caused by the tackle, he had looked to impress - dominating the final third in a new-look formation for Villa that seemed to bring the best out of his partnership with Jack Grealish.
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It was all looking sweet for Wes, as well. He had scored and played well until Mee struck his knee, and was already planning for a brighter future at Villa during the game.
Still, that hasn't stopped his comeback plan.
"When I scored, I said 'now I have to continue to help my teammates, but I had this bad injury. I have to continue. There's no finish for me. I need to come back and do good, do what I have to do," said Wesley speaking exclusively to VillaTV.
Burnley was one of few good performances for Wesley, who admittedly had a rather tough time at the Villa after joining from Club Brugge.
The forward did note that his best performance for the side - until the Burnley game - came early on.
As summer faded out, Villa hosted Everton at Villa Park and truly kicked off their Premier League campaign with a resounding win over the Toffees, buoyed by Wesley's first goal.
"My first goal for Aston Villa was amazing. The Villa fans are so incredible," added Wesley.
"I think so [the 5-1 Norwich was possibly the best performance], but the first goal was the best, it was my first for the team, for the fans, it was the best game."
Outside of his on-pitch role, he had been growing behind the scenes, admitting a fond friendship with Villa captain Grealish.
"I speak with Jack, you know! The number ten. Captain. He's a friend. He talks to me a lot, he's played for Aston Villa a long time. I speak with him a lot!," said Wesley on the mercurial Villa icon.
It's not just Grealish though. Every Villa fan has seen the clips of Wesley and Brazil team-mate Douglas Luiz celebrating together by dancing - but their relationship is far more than just surface-level fun.
The pair are true friends, with Wesley and Luiz helping each other settle into their new home.
"Before I had my injury, I was helping him with English. He's a great guy, tried to help him every day. Now with the injury, he calls me for help," added Wesley on his close friend.
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The mission for the big Brazilian has only just started, and while he suffered a serious set-back, the current delay of the footballing calendar has allowed him to catch up and recover without the stress of Villa carrying on without him.
He'll have to fight for a place with Mbwana Samatta and Keinan Davis, but should he return to fitness, there's every chance he could find himself registered for the run-in, when it returns.
And Wesley has big aims.
"I want to come back, score goals and put Villa in a good position. Then we want to win some trophies, because Villa are a big team."