Cuéllar Insists Villa Move Was Right Choice

Carlos Cuellar insists that his summer leap of faith, moving from Rangers to Aston Villa, was the right thing to do, despite limited playing time thus far...

27-year-old Carlos Cuellar was a revelation in Glasgow after making the switch from Osasuna to Rangers last summer.

In the space of one season, the stopper became an Ibrox Demigod, helping the Gers to a domestic cup double, eventually falling short of a quadruple which almost included the SPL title at the Uefa Cup crown.

However, the Spaniard didn't hesitate when Martin O'Neill's highly-rated Aston Villa came in for him in the summer.

Now, though, Cuellar is languishing on the Villans' bench despite forcing his way back to full fitness, whilst new-look Rangers are enjoying a very promising start to the season.

Still, patient Cuellar has no regrets and insists that he's relishing his new life in the Premiership and in Birmingham.

Praising his new home, he told the Times: “We Spaniards tend to think that England is a land of only rain and fog, and quite grey. But look at the canals; look at the women!”

Asked if his two late cameo appearances off the bench are enough to statisfy him, he replied: “This is the strongest league in the world, but also one where a player feels respected.

“Martin O’Neill keeps telling me what an honour it was to have me in the side,” Cuellar revealed.

“The football culture is great here. A good working environment helps keep your feet on the ground and allows you to focus on developing as a player. 

“It is the most complete league in the world in terms of the level of technical ability, physical strength and mental sharpness.”

One would assume, though, that £7.8m capture Cuellar will come to resent those canals and the strength of the Premier League should he go much longer without a league start.