Fabian Delph: Manchester City sign Aston Villa captain for £8m

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Aston Villa captain Fabian Delph has signed a five-year contract at Manchester City less than a week after saying he was staying at Villa Park.

England midfielder Delph’s move to City had appeared over after he “set the record straight” over his future.

City agreed to meet an £8m release clause inserted into the new four-and-a-half-year contract signed in January.

“At just 25 years old, he still has his best years ahead,” said City boss Manuel Pellegrini. 

“He is an excellent player, I am looking forward to working with him.”

Delph completed a medical on Friday and will fly to Australia over the weekend to join his new team-mates for pre-season training.

He will wear the number 18 shirt which Frank Lampard, now at New York City, wore last season.

LISTEN: Ex-Villa boss Paul Lambert tells 5 live Fabian Delph had every right to change his mind

Aston Villa released a 30-word statement  confirming their captain’s exit.

“Aston Villa can confirm that Fabian Delph has exercised the release clause in his contract and will join Manchester City,” it said.

“We’d like to wish him success in his future career.”