Carlos Cuellar has completed his US$16 million move to Aston Villa, signing a four-year deal with the West Midlands club.

Villa agreed a fee with the Glasgow side on Monday night and the Spanish central defender agreed terms and passed a medical on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old told the club's website, avfc.co.uk: "I'm joining a big club in the Premier League. This is the best league in the world and last year Villa did very well. They play very good football and had a fantastic season."

He added: "So I am very happy to come here with the opportunity to play in the Premier League. We are also playing in Europe this season, so that will be good.

"I watched Villa last season and Martin O'Neill is a very good coach. He plays exciting attacking football and I am excited to be here.

"My ambition is to play for my country and I think with Aston Villa I will have that possibility. Every player wants to play international football and that is my aim."

Cuellar, who was outstanding for Rangers after joining the Scottish club from Osasuna last season, told Rangers officials he wished to leave the club at the weekend.

His decision came as a huge blow to the Light Blues just a week after a humiliating early exit from the Champions League at the qualifying stages.

Cuellar was instrumental in Rangers' run to the UEFA Cup final last season and was named Scottish Football Writers' player of the year.

He has become Villa's seventh signing of the summer following Curtis Davies, Steve Sidwell, Luke Young, Nicky Shorey, Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan.