By Ryan Ghee
August 23 2005

Milan Baros today completed his long awaited move from Liverpool to Aston Villa. The Czech international cost the Villans £6.5m and he signed a four-year contract reportedly worth £40,000 a week. Baros underwent a medical at Aston Villa's training ground early this afternoon and only hours later he was unveiled as Villa's latest signing.

Aston Villa fought off competition from fellow Premiership side West Ham and French champions Lyon for the signature of the highly-rated striker. Despite receiving an £8.5m offer from Lyon, Liverpool had to accept Villa's lower offer because the player made it clear that he preferred a move to Aston Villa.

Speaking to Aston Villa's official website, Baros said, "Of course I am very pleased to join Villa. It is not easy to leave Liverpool, but Villa are also a big club, so I am happy to come here. It's nice to be here and I am looking forward to making my debut on Saturday against Blackburn at Villa Park, when I will do my very best to open with a goal.

"I spoke to David O'Leary at length and he was a big factor in my deciding to come here. It was a big decision for me, but if the manager wants you it is easier and David's influence is one of the reasons I am here."

The Czech international went on to say, "Hopefully my best years are still to come. I am still young and very ambitious. I want to achieve things here with Aston Villa. I think there are some quality players here and hopefully we can qualify to play in Europe next season. That would be great for the club, the players and the fans.

"I am impressed with this club. There is lots of quality here and together I think we can go forward this season. I just can't wait to play and start scoring."