Aston Villa have officially announced the signing of defender Matteo Ruggeri.

Aston Villa have officially announced the signing of Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri. The 24-year-old defender has joined the club permanently from Atlético Madrid. Ruggeri is a product of Atalanta's youth academy and has grown into a key member of the first team, making over 100 appearances for Atalanta throughout his career. In 2024, he won the Europa League title with the club, gaining valuable experience in European competitions.  

Last summer, Matteo Ruggeri ended his time at Atalanta and joined Atletico Madrid. Now, the Italian left-back has embarked on a new challenge in his career, officially joining Aston Villa to begin a new chapter.  

At the national team level, Matteo Ruggeri has represented Italy in various U-series youth competitions and accumulated extensive international experience. Although he has already been called up to the Italian senior national team, he has yet to make his official senior national team debut.  

Aston Villa hope the young Italian left-back will further strengthen the team's flanks and provide more support in the new season. After joining Aston Villa, Matteo Ruggeri told the club in an interview that he was very excited to be a part of the team. He looks forward to quickly integrating into his new environment and giving his all to defend the Villa jersey and win more honors for the club in the new season.  

Matteo Ruggeri said: “Coming to Aston Villa has been an unforgettable experience for me, and I am honored to wear the club’s shirt. I am excited about the new environment, new teammates, and the challenges ahead. I am ready and hope to join the team as soon as possible, integrate into this new community, and start a new phase in my career.”  

“I really appreciate the club’s development plans. Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and high aspirations for the future. Seeing the progress the team has made in recent years, I know exactly why I was drawn to this place. Therefore, when this opportunity arose, I quickly decided to join and hope to be a part of the team’s development plan.”  

“I’ve been following Aston Villa’s games and I really like the style of play the team has shown under the manager. He demands that the team maintain a high level of intensity while also paying great attention to technical skills and overall quality of play, which I really appreciate. So when Aston Villa extended an invitation to me, I made my decision very quickly. I want to be a part of this team and give my all for this shirt on the pitch.”  

Last season, Matteo Ruggeri helped Atlético Madrid reach the Champions League semi-finals, gaining valuable experience in top-level European competitions. Now joining Aston Villa, he hopes to continue his European journey in the new season and achieve new breakthroughs with the team on Europe's highest stage.  

Matteo Ruggeri said: "Last season was a big one for my career, as we reached the Champions League semi-finals with Atletico Madrid. Now at Aston Villa, I hope to continue that performance, go further in the Champions League with the team, and strive to win a title while wearing the Villa jersey."  

“I hope to show good form from the start of the new season and demonstrate my determination and commitment to the head coach through my performance. I am ready and hope to integrate into the team as soon as possible, give my all for the club, and strive for higher goals. As I said before, I hope to ultimately help the team win the championship.”  

“Everyone knows how competitive the Premier League is, so we have to be fully prepared before the season starts. A good start is crucial, and I believe the team is capable of doing that. I’ve seen a lot of videos and photos of the matches here, and I’m really looking forward to stepping onto the pitch and making my debut for Aston Villa. I’ve also heard that the fans here are very enthusiastic, and I hope to experience the home atmosphere and the feeling of fighting alongside them as soon as possible.”  

Image source: Internet/Aston Villa official website