Gabriel Agbonlahor fined, steps down as Aston Villa captain after suspension

Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has stepped down as the relegated club's captain, saying: "I do not deserve to carry out such a role any more."

It comes as he received a "substantial'' club fine, with the striker "reminded of his responsibilities as a professional footballer'' after a string of newspaper stories about his off-pitch behaviour.

Agbonlahor had been suspended by Villa, who are bottom of the Premier League and were relegated after defeat at Manchester United earlier this month, but that has now been lifted and the striker will be available for selection from Monday.

A statement on Villa's official website read: "Aston Villa Football Club can confirm the investigation concerning Gabby Agbonlahor's conduct has reached a conclusion.

"The player has received a substantial fine and been reminded of his responsibilities as a professional footballer at Aston Villa.

"His suspension is now lifted and he will be available for selection from Monday.

"Gabby has also advised he wishes to relinquish the role of Club captain."

The 29-year-old had been out of the immediate first-team picture having been placed on a fitness programme for two weeks by caretaker manager Eric Black, before then being suspended.

Writing on his Instagram page, Agbonlahor -- who has been at Villa for all his professional football career -- said: "I want to begin with an apology to all Aston Villa fans for my actions in recent weeks, especially at a time when it is devastating for everyone involved with the club.

I want to begin with an apology to all Aston Villa fans for my actions in recent weeks, especially at a time when it is devastating for everyone involved with the club. I am stepping down as club captain with immediate effect as I do not deserve to carry out such a role anymore. This role was a huge honour to me and it hurts to have lost it. I have spent 16 years at Aston Villa and played some memorable games. My celebrations and passion, especially in games against local rivals shows my loyalty to Aston Villa. I am asking Aston Villa fans for forgiveness as I'm hurting as well despite reports and photos in the press making out otherwise. I agree my performances this season have not been good enough but I will be working hard to make things right! Up The Villa, Villa Till I Die! I would also like to add; numerous fake social media accounts and have been created using my name. This is my official Instagram and I do not use Twitter or Facebook.

A photo posted by Gabriel Agbonlahor (@ga11official) on

Apr 28, 2016 at 7:20am PDT

"I am stepping down as club captain with immediate effect as I do not deserve to carry out such a role any more. This role was a huge honour to me, and it hurts to have lost it.

"I have spent 16 years at Aston Villa and played some memorable games. My celebrations and passion, especially in games against local rivals, shows my loyalty to Aston Villa."

He asked Villa fans for "forgiveness" and said: "I'm hurting as well, despite reports and photos in the press making out otherwise."

Agbonlahor added: "I agree my performances this season have not been good enough."

Caretaker boss Black has said the investigation into the forward's conduct is "ongoing" but expects that it will be concluded in the next 24 hours.

But he added that Agbonlahor would not be in contention for Villa's match at Watford on Saturday.