Summer move to Juve for Mellberg

Sweden defender Olof Mellberg will move from Aston Villa to Juventus at the end of this season, the Italian club have confirmed.

Mellberg, 30, will leave Villa Park after seven years when his contract expires in the summer.

Having signed a three-year deal at Juve, Mellberg said: "I am very happy with the agreement. It will be an important experience, at a prestigious club and in one of the most important leagues in the world."

Mellberg, capped 77 times by his country, added that he still hopes to play a key role for Villa during the remainder of his contract.

He told Juventus' official website, www.juventus.com: "Now I must end the season in the best possible way with Aston Villa, but I really can't wait to join Juventus and give my best for the black and white shirt."

Juve coach Claudio Ranieri is expecting great things from Mellberg, who spent three years with Spanish outfit Racing Santander before making the switch to Villa Park.

"Mellberg is a player I know very well and I was already following him when I was [manager] at Chelsea," said Ranieri.

"He's a central defender who can also play on the right, as he's doing this year.

"He has an imposing physique but is very quick. Mellberg will give his contribution to Juventus in terms of international experience and quality."