Downing Signs For Villa
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Stewart Downing from Middlesbrough FC for £12 million.
The England international has signed a 4 year deal for Villa, after passing a medical today.
Downing described Villa as “a massive football club with good ambition"
"As soon as I spoke to the manager, I wanted to play for Villa and I wanted to play for him,” Downing explained. “He has great ambition and wants to build a good squad to take the club forward. I want to be part of that."
Downing has thanked Boro fans for sticking by him during the January transfer window. He said "the Boro fans have been brilliant to me. I'd like to thank them for all their support but especially for sticking by me after all the speculation in January."
"In hindsight, it was a mistake to ask for a move at that point. I was frustrated but I know now I should have waited until the summer."
"Boro mean a lot to me but I'm ambitious to achieve things and fulfil my potential so I need to be in the Premier League."
"I supported them when I was young and I'll always be a Boro fan."