Former Villa defender Olof Mellberg announced his retirement from football yesterday at the age of 36.
Mellberg joined us from Spanish side Racing Santander in 2001 and became a hero to the claret and blue faithful during his seven-year stay at Villa Park.
He made 263 appearances during his stay in B6 and left Villa supporters with a whole host of happy memories.
In tribute to the Swedish centre-back, we have decided to delve into the archives for a look back at some of his finest moments as a Villa player.
His goal against Arsenal - the first-ever at the new Emirates Stadium - on the opening day of the 2006-07 campaign is one moment of Mellberg magic that stands out.
How about his fist-pumping antics after being substituted in the famous 5-1 win over Birmingham City?
Mellberg loved big derby occasions and found the target against both Wolves and West Bromwich Albion in 2004.
The final weeks of his claret and blue career were particularly emotional.
Supporters marked his final home game against Wigan in May 2008 by staging 'Olof Mellberg Day'.
A week later at West Ham, on his last appearance for Villa, Mellberg provided free shirts to the travelling supporters as a thank-you gesture. It was a measure of the man.
Check out our image gallery as we relive some Mellberg memories.
