FOOTBALL: ENGLISHMAN LIVING AMERICAN DREAM

ASHLEY WESTWOOD is quite literally building a new life in America after rekindling his love for football in the MLS.

- By Andy Dean

ASHLEY WESTWOOD is quite literally building a new life in America after rekindling his love for football in the MLS.

The former Aston Villa and Burnley midfielder joined Charlotte FC in January 2023 and has not looked back since.

Now working under ex-Villa manager Dean Smith and playing alongside former Premier League players Wilfried Zaha and Tim Ream, Westwood has a smile on his face and the sun on his back.

He is enjoying it so much he has sold his home in England and is having a house built in North Carolina.

The 35-year-old said: “It is incredible out here. This is a great city, it’s like Manchester in the sun.

“I got a bad injury in 2022 but even before then, I was losing the love for the game and it was just time for a change.

“To be honest, I didn’t think I would play again and then the opportunity to come to America came up. I spoke to the wife, and luckily her and the kids were on board and we've not looked back. It has been amazing.