New Aston Villa signing Joleon Lescott has said that it is a "special occasion" for himself and his family to have finally signed for the club.
The former Everton and Manchester City man completed his move from West Bromwich Albion earlier on Tuesday by signing a two-year deal at the club.
The Birmingham-born defender admitted that he is delighted to have made the move to Villa Park after being turned down by the Villans as a youngster.
He told Villa's website: "I am buzzing to have signed for Aston Villa. To say that I am excited is an understatement, and I cannot wait to get going now.
"I remember coming on a trial and being told that I did not quite make the grade so it is a special occasion for me and my family to finally sign for this club.
"My brother Aaron (who was formerly on the books at the Villans) was probably the main reason that I fell in love with Aston Villa at a young age."
Lescott is Villa's 12th signing of the summer and joins fellow defensive arrivals Micah Richards, Jordan Amavi and Jose Angel Crespo at the club.
Tom Nightingale
