Villa capture Cuellar

Defender arrives from Rangers to pen four-year deal

By James Dall   Last updated: 13th August 2008

Villa capture Cuellar

Cuellar: £7.8million Villa switch

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Aston Villa have completed the signing of defender Carlos Cuellar from Rangers for a fee of £7.8million.

The Spaniard has penned a four-year deal at Villa Park after completing a medical on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old becomes manager Martin O'Neill's seventh signing of the summer following the acquisitions of Curtis Davies, Steve Sidwell, Luke Young, Nicky Shorey, Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan.

Cuellar caught the eye for Gers last term with a number of impressive displays, and is now eagerly anticipating plying his trade in the Premier League.

He told Villa's official website: "I'm joining a big club in the Premier League. This is the best league in the world and last year Villa did very well. They play very good football and had a fantastic season.

"So I am very happy to come here with the opportunity to play in the Premier League. We are also playing in Europe this season, so that will be good.

Excited

"I watched Villa last season and Martin O'Neill is a very good coach. He plays exciting attacking football and I am excited to be here.

"I follow Premier League football because at this moment I think it is the best league in the world, so it is good to play my football here.

"The football here is very offensive and the most honest in Europe. Players here are strong and it is a very difficult league.

"My ambition is to play for my country and I think with Aston Villa I will have that possibility. Every player wants to play international football and that is my aim."

Cuellar will not be eligible to face FH Hafnarfjordur in Thursday's Uefa Cup second qualifying round tie but will be in the frame for the Premier League opener against Manchester City on Sunday.