New signing Clément Lenglet has declared his delight at sealing a loan move to Aston Villa.
The France international centre-back, 28, has put the finishing touches to his switch to the midlands, subject to a successful visa application.
And Lenglet, in his first interview with VillaTV, spoke of his happiness and excitement at joining the club.
“I’m very, very happy to be here,” he said. “It’s a real pleasure.
“I played against the team last year with Tottenham and it was really, really difficult to play against Aston Villa.
“I spoke with the manager and Monchi during the summer and I’m very excited to be here.
“I’m very happy to share one year with the club.”
Lenglet started his career in his native France with AS Nancy before joining Sevilla in January 2017, just seven months after Unai Emery departed the Spanish side.
He spent 18 months in Seville and suitably impressed before Barcelona came calling the following year.
Lenglet has won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during his time at the Nou Camp.
And he gained crucial experience of the Premier League last season having spent 2022/23 on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.
Asked whether working under Villa head coach Emery was a big reason behind his decision to join Villa, Lenglet replied: “Yes.
“It was important for me to go to a club with an important manager.
“And we can see since he started with Aston Villa, the team is going through to the high, top level.
“So, I’m very, very happy to be here and to compete for him with the team.”
Speaking to VillaTV, Lenglet reveals there are already plenty of familiar faces inside Villa’s dressing room, including compatriots Moussa Diaby, Lucas Digne and Boubacar Kamara.
The Frenchman says he is “ready and enthusiastic” about coming back to the Premier League.
He also shares his excitement at playing in Europe with Villa and playing in front of the club’s supporters at Villa Park, having played in our 2-1 home victory over Spurs in May.
And when asked what qualities he will help bring to the team, Lenglet hopes to add his experience gained for club and country as well as his hard-working, upbeat character.
“I have experience at a high level because I’ve played for Sevilla, Barcelona, Tottenham,” he said.
“So, I have experience at that level.
“I will try to bring positivity, my smile and hard work because I think I can help the team in that aspect.”
You can watch Clément’s first interview with VillaTV below…
