London, May 23: English Premiership club Aston Villa completed the signing of AC Milan's Denmark defender Martin Laursen for 3 million pounds (5.3 million dollars).
The 26-year-old Laursen signed a four-year deal after passing a medical at Villa Park, as Aston Villa look to build on their sixth-place finish in the premiership this season. ''I had other possibilities, but I chose Aston Villa because I think it's the right club for me,'' Laursen told the club's website.
''It was very important to me to resolve my future quickly. I want to play the European championship with a clear head.

''This is the moment in my career where I had to find the right club, and after six years in Italy I feel ready for the premiership.''



Laursen, who has 33 caps for Denmark and will be part of their squad for the Euro 2004 finals next month, made 62 appearances for Milan.



But the arrival of Alessandro Nesta two seasons ago, coupled with Paolo Maldini's move to centre back, saw Laursen's chances of more first-team action further limited.



Milan further strengthened their defensive line-up earlier this week by signing former Manchester United centre-back Jaap Stam from Lazio.



Laursen becomes coach David O. Leary's fourth signing since taking charge, joining fellow Dane Thomas Sorensen, Gavin Mccann and Nolberto Solano.


Bureau Report