Sanchez thrilled with Villa chance



The midfielder has signed a four-year contract at the claret and blues after making the switch from Spanish side Elche and could make his Premier League debut at home to Newcastle on Saturday

Sanchez, who has 44 international caps, impressed in Colombia's run to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they lost 2-1 to hosts Brazil in July

He started training with his new team-mates on Monday and insisted that working with Villa number two and former Manchester United star Keane will only improve him

"Yes of course

He was a big player and I've seen him play," Sanchez said

"I've always wanted to play in England

I had a few opportunities from other clubs but when I had the opportunity to come here I had no doubts

The most important thing was that the manager wanted me here.

"I've got lots of things that I want to do, it's a big club

I'm sure I can progress here

We've got everything - some great players, good technical staff and everything else we need to have a good successful season

We have got a great dressing room."

The 28-year-old also revealed former Villa and Colombia striker Juan Pablo Angel and Fulham's Hugo Rodallega convinced him to make the switch to England

He said: "I spoke with Juan Pablo Angel

He said I absolutely had to come and had no doubts

I spoke with Hugo Rodallega, the Fulham player, too, who said I have to come

"I can't really do the same as Juan Pablo because we play in different positions, but he is an inspiration, nonetheless."

Sanchez joined Villa following just one season with Primera Division side Elche, who he helped them to avoid relegation by a point as they finished 16th

It followed six years at French side Valenciennes and two years at Uruguayan side River Plate, where he started his career

He is nicknamed The Rock, a tag given to him by the River Plate fans due to his physical edge

Sanchez added: "It began in Uruguay when I started my career

Then I went onto France but where it really picked up was in Spain

With the World Cup and everything I am known as The Rock now."

Source : PA

Source: PA