Matteo Ruggeri reflected on the opportunity that comes with his transfer to Aston Villa.
The Italian, who turned 24 years of age last month, has moved to the Midlands for a fee of around £17 million from Atletico Madrid. He featured for the team as a left back in 47 fixtures last season, registering seven assists, and joins the squad as a replacement for the departed Lucas Digne.
‘I want to get off to a good start straight away’
Ruggeri has experienced topflight football in Italy and Spain before switching to the Premier League, and he feels that this move comes at a good time in his career to test himself again.
“I’m really, really happy to be here today. For me, it’s a huge emotion to become part of this club. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and start this adventure. I was really impressed by the project of this team. I know it’s a huge club, with big expectations, and looking at the results they’ve achieved over the last few years, I had no doubts about saying ‘yes’ and coming here to be part of this club.
“I’ve definitely watched a lot of Aston Villa games, and I was really impressed by the intensity of the football that the manager demands, as well as the quality of football he wants from the team.
“So, as I said, I had no doubts about saying yes, coming here, becoming part of this group and starting to defend these colours.”
While the Villans have impressed with their Champions League quarterfinal run in 2025 and their Europa League success last season, Ruggeri is experienced himself on the continental stage. The fullback was part of the Atalanta side that won the Europa League final 3-0 against Bayer Leverkusen and denied the ‘Invincibles’ an unprecedented treble. Earlier this year, he helped the Rojiblancos reach the Champions League semifinals, where they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Arsenal.
He hopes that his qualities can contribute positively to the camp in the bid for more silverware.
“Last season was an important one because Atlético managed to reach the Champions League semi-finals. This year, I hope to do the same with Aston Villa and win a trophy in these colours. I want to get off to a good start straight away and give the manager a strong signal, showing him I’m here to defend these colours and fight for big things – as I’ve already said, hopefully to win a trophy.
“We know the level in the Premier League is extremely high, so we have to make sure we’re ready, because it’s really important to start well, but I’m sure we will. I’ve seen lots of videos and photos of the stadium, and I can’t wait to play my first game in our stadium because I’ve seen that the fans are absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere and start playing at our stadium.”
