Atlético complete Matteo Ruggeri transfer to Aston Villa | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid have completed the transfer of left-back Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa, both clubs said in official statements.

It is Atlético's fifth first-team departure from last season, alongside centre-back Clement Lenglet to Benfica, right-back Nahuel Molina to Roma, and forwards Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada to Orlando City and River Plate respectively.

Ruggeri had not trained with Atlético for two weeks and did not travel for a friendly against Manchester City in South Korea while the move was finalised. He has signed with the Birmingham club, with no contract length disclosed.

The Italian spent one season in Madrid after a 20 million euro switch from Atalanta. Despite improvement late on, when he became a regular starter under Diego Simeone, his spell was largely viewed as disappointing.

He still had a deal to 2030 and leaves after 47 appearances last season, starting 39. He delivered crosses that produced seven goals for Atlético.

Alejandro Grimaldo’s arrival, plus a strong Aston Villa offer above the fee Atlético paid a year ago, made Ruggeri expendable. The 24-year-old Atalanta academy product will now make his debut in English football under Unai Emery and play in the Champions League, replacing Lucas Digne following his move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Atlético wished Ruggeri well in his next professional and personal steps.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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