Aston Villa have completed the signing of former England international Joe Cole on a free transfer.
West Ham United announced last month that Cole, 32, would be released at the end of his contract and Villa boss Paul Lambert moved quickly to sign the midfielder on a two-year deal.
A big claret and blue welcome to our new signing Joe Cole. More to follow. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/mdtIeY2nYm
- Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) June 10, 2014
"It's a good opportunity for me and I'm excited to be here," the former Chelsea and Liverpool player told Sky Sports News. "The real thing was, when I spoke to the gaffer, we agree on a lot of things in football and the playing in a central position in midfield really sold it to me."
Cole made only six Premier League starts for West Ham last season, as injuries and a dip in form affected his progress, but he is hopeful he can revive his career at Villa Park.
He said that he would "try to make some goals and score some goals" and added: "I'm looking forward to the challenge. I'm ecstatic and can't wait to get started."
Villa, who had already announced the signing of Switzerland defender Philippe Senderos, have also allowed Jordan Bowery to join Rotherham.
The Championship side paid a club record fee for the 22-year-old, who has signed a two-year contract.
"We are delighted to sign him," Rotherham boss Steve Evans said. "We have been very patient on this deal and again we are thankful to the chairman in providing the funds for this record transfer, and thankfully we were able to persuade Jordan that his future lies in Rotherham.
"I'm thankful to Paul Lambert at Aston Villa for the kind words he said about Rotherham United and we are just delighted to have got the deal over the line and have young Jordan come on board."