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Aston Villa snap up Kieran Richardson

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Kieran Richardson from Fulham.

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Richardson, 29, who was unable to save his former club from relegation to the Championship last season, has penned a two-year deal with a further year's option.

And the ex-Manchester United player says he cannot wait to start life at his new club and play in front of the Villa supporters.

"Villa Park itself has always been my favourite stadium out of all of the stadiums in which I've played in the Premier League," he told Villa's official website.

"It's got great atmosphere, the fans are magnificent and I'm really looking forward to playing here. I know I'm going to love it."

Villa manager Paul Lambert is looking forward to working with Richardson and believes he has the right attributes to improve his squad.

"Kieran will complement many of the players here well with what he brings," he said.

"He will add pace, a great deal of experience and he knows the Premier League. He's played a lot of games for a lad who has yet to turn 30.

"The grounding he gained at Manchester United has stood him in good stead and he knows what it is to compete in this league and to win things and that's important.

"I'm delighted he's joined us and we're really looking forward to working with him."

Richardson becomes Villa's third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Joe Cole and Philippe Senderos, while the club maintain an interest in free agent Nicklas Bendtner.