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Villa complete Spain defender signing

13/08/2008

Carlos Cuellar has completed his £7.8 million move to Aston Villa, becoming the club's seventh new signing of the summer.

The 26-year-old defender will form part of a new-look back four after Martin O'Neill signed England full-backs Nicky Shorey and Luke Young, while Curtis Davies has joined on a permanent basis.

Cuellar impressed in his debut season in British football for Rangers last year after joining from Osasuna.

He explained he wanted to move to the Premier League to fulfil a lifelong ambition of turning out for Spain.

"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," he said.

"I'm joining a big club in the Premier League," Cuellar told the club's official website.

"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.

"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."

Villa have also signed goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan as well as Steve Sidwell.