BIRMINGHAM, England – Zimbabwe international midfielder Marvelous Nakamba was unveiled as an Aston Villa player on Thursday, becoming the fourth Zimbabwean to play in the English Premier League.
Nakamba signed for the newly-promoted team from Club Brugge of Belgium.
“I feel fantastic, I feel happy. I’m looking forward to playing in one of the best leagues in the world. It has been a dream for me to be competing with the best players in the world,” Nakamba said in his first interview.
“The people are excellent, the welcome was excellent from everyone. I’m looking forward to giving everything for the club.”
Nakamba, 25, began his European career with Nancy in France before a spell at Vitesse Arnhem in Belgium won him a move to play Champions League football with Club Brugge.
Aston Villa’s head coach Dean Smith said: “Marvelous fits the criteria of the type of player we were looking for.
“He’s very mobile, he’s very good in possession and he will fit in with our style of play.”
Aston Villa did not disclose the transfer fee, although it is understood to be in the region of £11 million.
Nakamba follows in the footsteps of Bruce Grobbelaar, Peter Ndlovu and Benjani Mwaruwari who have all played in the English Premier League.
