Jamie Carragher in 'I am not daft' Aston Villa Champions League claim

Jamie Carragher has issued an apology for his comments about Aston Villa's chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

The former Liverpool defender said on Sky Sports that he "wouldn't be surprised" if Villa finished in the top four this season, but he has since backtracked on those comments, saying that he was "not being serious".

Carragher's original comments were met with derision by many fans and pundits, who pointed out that Villa have not finished in the top four since 1982.

Carragher has since apologized for his comments, saying that he was "not being serious" when he made them.

He said: "I was asked a question about Aston Villa and I gave an honest answer. I said that I wouldn't be surprised if they finished in the top four this season.

"But I was not being serious. I was just trying to make a point about how competitive the Premier League is this season.

"I apologize if I offended anyone with my comments. I am a big admirer of Aston Villa and I believe that they have a good team. But I do not think that they will finish in the top four this season."