28 January 2008

Mellberg to join Juventus from July

Juventus Football Club have officially signed player Erik Olof Mellberg with a contract starting July 1 2008, until June 30 2011. As is known, the player's contract with Aston Villa ends on June 30 2008.

Swedish central defender Erik Olof Mellberg was born on September 3 1977 and after 3 years in the Spanish League at Racing Santander he was signed by Aston Villa in 2001, where he has played over 240 games in the last few years between Premier League, and national and international cups. An experienced central defender, Mellberg is also a regular in the Swedish national team, with whom he has played over 70 games since the year 2000.

The defender expressed his satisfaction speaking from England: «I'm very happy about this agreement: this experience in Italy will be an important one, in a prestigious club and in one of the most important Leagues in the world. Now I must end the season in the best possible way with Aston Villa, but I really can't wait to join Juventus and give my best with the black and white shirt».

It's an important asset to the team being set up by Claudio Ranieri for next season: «Mellberg – the Manager declared – is a player I know very well and I was already following him when I was at Chelsea. He's a central defender who can also play on the right, as he's doing this year. He has an imposing physique (height 1,87 m, weight 83 kg), but is very quick. Mellberg will give his contribution to Juventus in terms of international experience and quality».