JOINING VILLA

"David O'Leary signed me after six years in Italy. I really wanted to play in England. Everyone had told me - for quite a few years - that England was the place to be because it suited my game. People thought I would have success here.

"I learnt a lot technically and tactically in Italy and I felt like a really mature player when I arrived at Villa.

"I joined just after the European Championships in 2004. Unfortunately, it didn't start well for me because I had my bad injury.

"I struggled to play but then everything changed when Martin O'Neill took over at the club. He has done a lot for me. I have really enjoyed playing for him."

DEBUT

"I certainly remember my debut. It was against Southampton at Villa Park and we won 2-0. It was a really warm day and I was so tired after 30 minutes.

"It was strange for me because I hadn't known what to expect from the Premier League. I obviously knew it was going to be tough - and it certainly was.

"I remember thinking after that opening half hour: "I can't play 90 minutes every week like this."

"But I came out after the break and it went well. I enjoyed the second half much more and I really got used to it.

"I have never really struggled playing in this country. I know and have seen a lot of players who have struggled just after they've arrived. But not for me - because it was so right for me."

GOALS

"My first goal was against Middlesbrough at Villa Park. It was a strange one in a 2-0 victory. I think I scored with my knee but it was a good goal because it was at Villa Park in front of my home fans.

"But it wasn't my best goal. I enjoyed my one against Tottenham - five minutes from time. It was January 1, 2008. It was the first day of an incredible year. It was the winning goal and it was just an incredible day.

"I scored twice against Tottenham at White Hart Lane too. I was happy to score two but I was so disappointed after that game. We didn't even win.

"I remember my Stamford Bridge goal as well - to make it 3-3 with only 10 men. It was nice and a good goal too. It felt different from the White Hart Lane clash but it was the same result in the end - 4-4."

PREMIER LEAGUE EVER-PRESENT

"To feature in every Premier League game in 2007-08 was a very proud achievement. It came after my first major injury and I didn't know if I could come back and ever play again.

"But I did and played every game in a very hard league. I played the first 18 games of this season too - so overall I played 63 top-flight games in a row. I was very proud of that.

"It was a nice feeling to be tired every weekend and come into the following week, feel good, train and prepare for the upcoming game. I haven't done that enough during my career. I loved that."

UEFA CUP - AJAX

"The Ajax game was so special. It was a magical European night for Villa. I scored the first goal and I was captain. That was fantastic. We won 2-1 - with Gareth Barry getting the winner.

"The fans hadn't had those magical nights for quite a while. It was a great build-up beforehand, then when I scored it was emotional and I can still hear the noise of the crowd when I went to celebrate. It was unbelievable."

Log on to AVTV below and watch our special interview with the defensive collosus as he talks from the heart. The extensive chat also features awesome footage from his career in claret and blue.