Ruggeri Joins Aston Villa: A New Adventure in the Premier League

Aston Villa’s new signing Ruggeri says he was “enchanted” by the club’s project after completing his move from Atletico Madrid and stepping into the Premier League for the first time.

The 24-year-old Italian arrives in Birmingham on the back of a whirlwind few years. He earned a five-year deal at Atletico only last season, clocked up 47 appearances in all competitions and chipped in with seven assists before Villa moved to bring him to Villa Park this summer.

Before Spain, there was the surge at Atalanta – a rapid climb that took him from promising youngster to Champions League regular. Now, under Unai Emery, he wants to turn that rise into something more permanent.

“I am very happy to be here,” Ruggeri told Aston Villa’s official channels. “It’s very exciting for me to be part of this club; I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and start this adventure.

“I was really enchanted by the project of the team, I know it’s a huge league with big expectations, and looking at recent results, I had no doubts about saying yes and being part of this club.”

European pedigree for Emery’s evolving Villa

Ruggeri does not arrive as a prospect in need of shelter. He comes with genuine European mileage.

Between Atalanta and Atletico Madrid, the left-back has already made 23 Champions League appearances, registering three assists in the competition. Those nights have hardened him, and they have also made him a valuable piece in Emery’s tactical puzzle.

Comfortable as a classic full-back or pushed higher as a wing-back in a five, Ruggeri offers the kind of flexibility Emery leans on. He can lock down a flank or stretch it.

“I’ve definitely watched lots of Aston Villa games,” he said. “I was really impressed by the intensity that the coach wants, the quality of the football he demands, and this is why I had no doubts about coming here to begin defending these club colours.

“Last season was important for me, and I hope to do just as well with Aston Villa, and then win a trophy with this club.”

That last line will land well in the Holte End. Villa have rediscovered their edge under Emery, both at home and in Europe, and Ruggeri clearly sees a chance to ride that wave.

Chasing Italy dream after club success

For all his club achievements, Ruggeri’s international story is still waiting for its first proper chapter.

He lifted the 2023-24 Europa League with Atalanta and reached the Copa del Rey final with Atletico Madrid last season. He has earned multiple call-ups to the Azzurri squad. Yet the first senior cap for Italy remains elusive.

The Premier League move is no accident in that context. It is a statement and a strategy.

He wants to be impossible to ignore for the national team staff, and he has always looked to the very top for guidance.

“As a child I really liked Paolo Maldini as a left-back, but over the years I didn’t have a specific player to model myself on,” he admitted. “He was the one I looked up to when I was a kid.”

From Maldini posters on the wall to the roar of an English crowd – the path is clear enough. Now he has to walk it.

Brighton, Arsenal… and Villa Park awaits

Ruggeri might not have to wait long for his first taste of it all.

Villa face Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend before a heavyweight meeting with Arsenal, and the Italian could be thrown straight into the mix. Emery has never been shy about trusting players who understand his demands.

Ruggeri has already done some homework on his new home.

“I saw many videos and photos of the stadium, and I can’t wait to play there, because I saw the fans are incredible. I can’t wait to get to know the atmosphere,” he said.

Villa enter the new campaign buoyed by recent European success and steady domestic progress. The squad is confident, the expectations louder than they have been in years.

Into that environment steps a left-back with European scars, Italian ambition and a clear target: turn that “enchanted” first impression into silverware, and finally force his way into the Azzurri shirt he has been chasing.