Ashley Young denies accusations he is a 'diver'

John Curtis,Pa
Friday 20 May 2011 05:27 EDT
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Ashley Young has drawn more fouls than any other
Ashley Young has drawn more fouls than any other (GETTY IMAGES)

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Aston Villa winger Ashley Young has revealed his hurt at being accused of being a "diver".

Young admits he has had that accusation thrown at him "on numerous occasions".

The England player, who could play his last game for Villa against Liverpool on Sunday, has won more free-kicks - 88 - than any other Premier League player this season.

Young, out of contract next summer, said: "I think people saying that 'I go down too easily' hurts more than being booted up in the air to be honest.

"I hear that on numerous occasions and then you look at the stats of me being the most fouled player.

"Is it me that's going down easily or is it that I am genuinely being fouled?

"Referees are now booking players for simulation so, if players are diving, then they're going to be booked.

"I've not been booked for diving but I'm the most fouled player.

"Everyone's entitled to their opinion. It's always going to be said that people are diving in the Premier League but you just have to get on with it."

Young, a potential target for Manchester United and Liverpool this summer, is thankful not to have picked up any major injuries after the close attention he has received.

He said: "I've got cuts, bumps, bruises, everything up and down my shins, but I've come to get used to it.

"Touch wood, I've not had many injuries this season and throughout my career I've not had major injuries."

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