Aston Villa complete signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid
Aston Villa have completed the signing of left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid, as reported by ESPN. The 24-year-old Italy international joins for a reported fee of €25 million plus add-ons, according to Football Italia. Ruggeri's arrival follows the departure of Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain, who played a key role in the same position for Villa across four seasons, ESPN noted.
Ruggeri only joined Atlético last year on a five-year deal, as reported by ESPN. He made 26 appearances in La Liga last season and 15 in the Champions League, where Atlético reached the semifinal but lost to Arsenal, according to the same outlet. Before his spell in Madrid, Ruggeri came up through the Atalanta youth academy and was sold to Atlético last summer for €17m, Football Italia reported. He has three assists in 23 Champions League appearances between Atalanta and Atlético, according to that source.
In his first comments since the move, Ruggeri told the official Aston Villa media channels, as quoted by Football Italia: "I am very happy to be here. It's very exciting for me to be part of this club, I can't wait to meet my new teammates and start this adventure."
Ruggeri explained that he was 'enchanted' by the project at Villa, saying: "I was really enchanted by the project of the team, I know it's a huge league with big expectations, and looking at recent results, I had no doubts about saying yes and being part of this club." He added: "I've definitely watched lots of Aston Villa games, and was really impressed by the intensity that the coach wants, the quality of the football he demands, and this is why I had no doubts about coming here to begin defending these club colours."
The left-back, who can also play as a wing-back in a five-man midfield, as Football Italia noted, also spoke of his admiration for a childhood idol: "As a child I really liked Paolo Maldini as a left-back." He expressed excitement about playing at Villa Park, saying: "I saw many videos and photos of the stadium, and I can't wait to play there, because I saw the fans are incredible."
Context and squad moves
Aston Villa secured Champions League qualification after winning the Europa League last season, Football Italia reported. ESPN noted that Villa are seeking to strengthen their squad as they prepare for a Champions League campaign and following the departure of key players from the club, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Digne.
Ruggeri is the newest recruit for Villa, joining Johan Manzambi, João Gomes and Alejandro Garnacho, who is on an initial loan from Chelsea, according to ESPN.
Alongside Ruggeri's signing, Aston Villa also completed the signing of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, as reported by ESPN. The Japan international joined from Italian Serie A club Parma amid question marks over the future of Villa's Emiliano Martínez, the outlet added.
Potential debut
Ruggeri could potentially make his debut this weekend in the Premier League against Brighton and Hove Albion, followed by a match against Arsenal the week after, according to Football Italia. Despite his experience, he is yet to play for Italy at senior level, even though he has been called up several times, the same source noted.
Reflecting on his recent season, Ruggeri said, as quoted by Football Italia: "Last season was important for me, because we got to the Champions League semi-finals."