Ron Vlaar says Aston Villa have apologised for their recent behaviour as the Feyenoord defender prepares to complete a 'dream' move.
Defender admits it will be tought to say goodbye to Feyenoord
Ron Vlaar says Aston Villa have apologised for their recent behaviour as the Feyenoord defender prepares to complete a 'dream' move to the Premier League.
The Netherlands international met Villa boss Paul Lambert almost a fortnight ago, but stated earlier this week any transfer was off after the Midlands club failed to follow up their interest.
However, talks were resurrected and Vlaar has now agreed a three-year contract after Feyenoord accepted an offer in the region of €4million (£3.1m).
Vlaar has discussed the recent situation with Villa and admits it will be a wrench to leave Feyenoord after helping the club to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Strange feeling
"It's a strange feeling to leave Feyenoord but it was a dream for me to move on to the Premier League," Vlaar told Feyenoord's
official website.
"Today we started talks again and some points have been spoken about. It was a tough conversation, Aston Villa made their apologies for their behaviour during the previous period.
"I can imagine the fans aren't that happy with me at the moment, but I hope they grant me this transfer to the Premier League.
"It will be tough for me to leave Feyenoord because my heart is with the club. I have experienced a lot at the club, ups and downs.
"The absolute highlight for me was last season, when we ended up as second in the league with Feyenoord and I was part of the Dutch squad for the European Championship."
Feyenoord's technical director Martin van Geel had previously accused Villa of being 'unfair' towards Vlaar and would have preferred the deal to have been done sooner given the club face Dynamo Kiev in a Champions League qualifier next week.
Van Geel said: "Ron was the flagship of our club. He was the captain and a real leader who had a fantastic season. His experience and leadership will be a miss for Feyenoord.
"The behaviour of Aston Villa has recently caused much unrest. Additionally, the timing in view of our upcoming game is not favourable. From that point of view we would have preferred that this transfer had come around a week earlier."
