Carlos Cuellar has completed his move to Aston Villa from Rangers, signing a four-year contract…

The defender earned himself a prestigious reputation in Europe last season with some heroic performances for Rangers as they battled their way to the UEFA Cup final.

The Spaniard, who was unfortunate to miss out on making the Euro 2008 winning squad, is manager Martin O’Neill’s sixth signing of the summer.

The fee is as yet undisclosed, but rumoured to be in the region of £6-7 million, with the 26-year-old set to start the season in the centre of defence alongside Martin Laursen.

The die-hard defender had only recently declared he was happy at Ibrox, but the Gers’ embarrassing elimination from Europe against Kaunas in the preliminary qualifiers is likely to have swayed his decision.

Though he has fond memories of his former club, he is already looking forward to playing in what he proclaims the best league in the world, adding that he is hoping for some silverware as well as a call-up to Spain.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Cuellar said: “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 of playing 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 the moment I think it is the best 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.

“I won the Scottish Cup with Rangers last season and it would be nice to win a trophy with Aston Villa here in England. We have a very good team and could get some trophies.

“The UEFA Cup run with Rangers last season was a fantastic experience, even though we lost the final. It was an amazing experience and playing in a European final was a great moment in my career.

“Maybe I could do even better at Villa this season. It would be very good to have a good run in this competition.”

Ref From Brian O’Ryan, Goal.com