Aston Villa Sign French Defender Cissokho from Valencia

Aston Villa have announced the signing of France defender Aly Cissokho from Valencia, subject to international clearance.

Cissokho spent last season on loan at Liverpool and made his debut at Villa Park. He has agreed a four-year contract with the Villans a year later.

Cissokho told AVTV: “Destiny has made it so that Villa Park was where I played my first game and now one year later I am wearing the shirt.

“I have had many experiences and played in lots of different countries and cultures,” he added.

“I’m going to give my best and all the experience I have had will help me during my time with Villa. I know I can give my best for the team.”

The full-back joined the Merseyside club on a season-long loan in August 2013, but made only 15 league appearances for coach Brendan Rodgers’ side before returning to Valencia for pre-season.

He joined Valencia from Lyon for around £5m in August 2012. The Frenchman, who started his career at Gueugnon, has also played for Porto and Vitoria Setebal.

Manager Paul Lambert has already signed Kieran Richardson, Joe Cole and Philippe Senderos this summer.