Way to miss the context. It was surrounding the tag 'Villa-legend'. The narrative seems to be he was so good he carried the team. Strangely, this carrying coincided with NSWE. Let us be balanced here. He was part of the record low PL relegation and the two failed attempts at promotion. NSWE, Smith & the coaching team provided the stage for his individual development. His doesn't even seem to acknowledge this. I have 100 million reasons to be grateful. But that our reward for the development we have provided.
Let me expand on my thinking. Nothing exists in a vacuum. Everything has context. How can he be a our legend leaving now during our project. He was begged to stay.
I don't mind him leaving to win 'trophies, CL, personal glory', but (for me) he is not a Villa legend, that is lost. He can be a legend for Jack Grealish, a legend for football. But not 'my' club. He was one of many talented players to pass through VP. Period. I think the narrative of the hero involves sacrifice. I do not witness that here.
Fine if you want to call him a legend. But you do not speak for me, as I do not speak for you.