Villa complete Downing deal
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Article summary
Aston Villa FC have made their first signing of the summer, agreeing to pay relegated Middlesbrough FC a reported €14m to sign their injured English international winger Stewart Downing.
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Aston Villa FC have signed English international winger Stewart Downing from Middlesbrough FC in a transfer worth a reported €14m.
Injury absence
The 24-year-old is not expected to play until at least October having damaged his right foot against Villa in the penultimate game of the Premier League season, a campaign which ended in Middlesbrough's relegation after eleven seasons in the English top flight. Downing, who has won 23 caps for England and was part of the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, scored 17 goals in 181 league matches for his hometown club and has signed a four-year contract with Villa to become their first signing of the summer. Martin O'Neill's side will enter the UEFA Europa League in the play-off round.
