Villa bring in Sanchez

Aston Villa have completed the signing of midfielder Carlos Sanchez from Elche on a four-year deal.

The Colombia international joins Paul Lambert’s side on the eve of their opening game of the Premier League season at Stoke City.

Sanchez started all four games for his country in the World Cup in Brazil and moves to Villa Park after just one season in La Liga with Elche.

The 28-year-old, who has 48 caps for his country, will become the second Colombian to play for Villa following in the footsteps of striker Juan Pablo Angel.

And Sanchez revealed that he jumped at the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League.

He told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted to be here, it’s something I have always dreamed of and it is very important for me to be here at Aston Villa, not only for me but for my family as well.

“It was always my aim to play in this country and in this league and I know Villa well as Juan Pablo also played here.

“I began to watch Villa games when he came in 2001. He was a goalscorer who was very important to this club and I followed his time here because he was always scoring goals.

“Since I was a boy I have always followed English football, particularly teams where Colombians have played. When I had the chance to come to this club I had no doubts because I know this is a big club in the Premier League.

“The most important thing for me was that the manager really wanted me to come here. That was most important in my mind, but I’m very excited also about walking onto the Villa Park pitch and playing in front of our fans.

“I am looking forward to this and I am looking forward to getting to know my team-mates. I have a feeling this is a real family club and I am looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in the dressing room.

“For me, it was an immense experience to play in the World Cup for Colombia and this has given me confidence. I think it is because of the World Cup that I am here.”