Paul Lambert has had nothing but positive things to say about Fabian Delph after the midfielder departed Aston Villa despite promising to stay.

Delph initially promised fans of the West Midlands club that he would remain at Villa Park next season, but performed a u-turn and signed for City last week outraging Villa fans.

Former Villans boss Lambert, however, refused to criticise the England midfielder, saying: "I think he thought, 'wait a minute, I have got an opportunity to play Champions League'. You owe it to yourself to try and play at that level."

"Fabian could have left for nothing at the end of the season, but he signed a new contract in January and got them £8 million... I think he has done great by Aston Villa."