Steve Sidwell today put pen to paper on a three year Villa deal and conceded: "I am over the moon!"

Sidwell is Martin O'Neill's first summer signing after passing a medical and is already looking forward to linking-up with his new team-mates.

Speaking to AVTV Online, the former England under-21 international told www.avfc.co.uk: "I am absolutely delighted to join. I am over the moon. 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.

"There's been a lot of speculation and rumour about the deal and it has played on my mind a little but I've been professional and kept my head down.

"I am here now and can't wait to put a Villa shirt on and play for the fans. For me personally, it's about getting back and playing. I have had a year of not playing as much as I would have liked so to get out on the pitch is the first aim.

"It's straight down to work really. I have already done some pre-season with Chelsea but the hard work starts now.

"I can't wait to get out on the training field and meet my new team-mates. I have heard they are a good bunch of lads.

"I am sure I will settle in fine and I'm sure the players will be fine with me."

Tune into AVTV Online for much more from Sidwell.