Ron Vlaar wants to 'bring the happiness back' after completing move to Aston Villa

Ron Vlaar is hoping he can help bring back the good times to Aston Villa after completing a move to the Barclays Premier League club yesterday.

The Holland international, who was part of his country's Euro 2012 squad, has penned a three-year deal with the midlands club after making the switch from Feyenoord.

Vlaar, 27, is convinced his best years are ahead of him after committing to Villa until the end of the 2014-2015 campaign and wants to bring success back to the club after two disappointing seasons.

"This is a dream come true for me," said Vlaar.

"I am very happy that Villa have given me this chance.

"For me, I want to play a lot and improve my play and do well with the team - that's most important.

"I am 27 years old and I know my best years are ahead of me. I feel fit and strong and I am looking forward very much to playing my first game.

"I know some of Villa's history and I have been in the stadium already and saw all of the pictures of great achievements. I really believe we can bring the happiness back.

"I think there is a lot of quality here and, if we play like we can as a team, we will make it difficult for other teams to beat us."

Manager Paul Lambert is convinced Vlaar's class and pedigree will ensure he is a success in the Premier League.

The Scot said: "Ron is a really good defender and he has a wealth of experience for both Holland and a big football club in Feyenoord, so I'm delighted we have got him here to Villa.

"I like the way the guy wants to do well. He's hungry and he wants to succeed.

"He's also a really good, strong defender and hopefully we will get the benefit of him in our team."

Lambert's delight at signing Vlaar was tempered, however, by the news striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and defender Richard Dunne will miss the start of the season.

Agbonlahor will be out of action for four to five weeks with a medial ligament problem suffered during Villa's pre-season tour of America, while Dunne is facing six to eight weeks out with a groin injury which he sustained in European Championship action with the Republic of Ireland.

PA