Former Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell given hero's welcome in Turkey

Jul 5 2009 by Edward Chadwick, Sunday Mercury

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXCtsxzXBKg

THE reception was more fitting of a pop icon or a Hollywood movie star.

Thousands of hysterical fans screaming at their idol as he emerged from a limo.

But Midland football fans will be surprised to see the man at the centre of the chaotic scenes in the Turkish capital of Ankara.

It is Aston Villa reject Darius Vassell.

The former England hitman’s career has been on the wane since he was shown the door by big-spending Manchester City this summer.

But news of his demise has apparently failed to reach Turkey where 3,000 frenzied fans of Ankaragucu mobbed Vassell, waving flares and home-made banners bearing his name.