Aston Villa have completed the signing of midfielder Steve Sidwell from Chelsea.

The 25-year-old has finalised his £5 million move, having passed a medical and agreed terms on a three-year contract.

And the former Reading midfielder said he is "over the moon" about joining manager Martin O'Neill at Villa Park.

"It's taken a while but now it's done I am excited and looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting on the pitch and playing football," he told the Villa website.

"Having spoken to the manager and the chairman and listening to their views on the future, I am sure they want to push the club forward and we all collectively want to break into that top four category.

"I can't wait to work with Martin O'Neill. Everyone in football speaks very highly of him. His reputation goes before him.

"When I sat down with him, he was fantastically enthusiastic. He wants to drive the club forward and that's an exciting prospect.

"The manager is getting young, hungry players who want to push the club on and he is mixing them with experienced stars. He has a good blend and hopefully I am one of many additions this summer."

Sidwell was one of the last signings made by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho last summer, joining on a free transfer after his contract at the Madejski Stadium expired.

He was signed with one eye on the African Nations Cup but the return from injury of Michael Ballack restricted his first-team opportunities to 25 appearances, 13 of those being starts.

A message on Chelsea's website said: "Chelsea Football Club would like to thank Steve for his contribution and wish him well at his new club."
© Adfero Ltd