Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: Site Staff 
Date:Monday January 28 2008
Time: 12:44PM
UK time is: 13:07:07
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Mellberg Departs This Summer
Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg will be leaving Villa Park for Turin after signing a pre-contract agreement with Juventus.
However, the Swedish international will be remaining with the Villans until the summer, with the suggestion of a January transfer now dismissed. Olof was clearly delighted with the chance for a final pay day with the Italian giants:
'I am very happy with this agreement. It will be an important experience.
'Now I must finish the season in an Aston Villa shirt but I really cannot wait to come to Juventus.'
It is likely that Melly will now continue in his right-back position as Martin O’Neill remains motionless so far in the January transfer window. The Villa manager has no problems with continuing to select the defender, despite the likelihood of him having one eye on his summer move to the continent:
'Olof's commitment has been excellent and, even if he decides to go in the summer or signs a pre-contract, I would have no qualms about continuing to play him,' O’Neill said.
'I recognise this is a very important time of his career and when you get clubs the size of Juventus making enquiries about you then you have to weigh things up.'
Juve boss Claudio Ranieri has already found cover for his side until Mellberg’s arrival, picking up Guglielmo Stendardo from league rivals Lazio until June.
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Your Comments
Olly has been a good servant to Aston Villa over the years and at 30 years old he can hardly be blamed for taking up Juve's offer. I hope that fans acknowledge his contribution to villa during the remainder of the season
andrew144
The bloke's a legend. Good luck to him.
olafthegreat
Good luck, he's been great for us and sometimes players just move on. I am pleasantly surprised that Newcastle and Spurs didn't go for him - clueless.
tarzan
Good luck to him, wish him all the best.
steako
Absolutely gutted to be losing him. What a great player. Thanks Mr Mellberg for your service, we'll sorely miss you.
evoflash
Shame, he took a throw in by me on Saturday and I told him 'don't go Olof'. Seems that last minute negotiating wasn't enough to pursuade him. Now what happens to the Vital Villa End of Seasons Award for 'best beard' Suppose it'll have to be retired in his honour!
The Fear
Fair play to Olly.At 30 he get's the chance to play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe, in the champions league.Live not far from the Swiss alps in nothern Italy, and experience another culture.A true Villa legend based on his consistency and contribution to the team.Here's to us finishing on a high and giving him a proper Villa faithful send off..UTV
OneloveVilla
Cheers fellow swede. but remember your a villan till may!
los_angeles_villan
It's just a shame that now we finally are starting to go places, it's just that bit too late for Olly. It would have been so great to see him lift a trophy for us. Good luck Olof.
Villain Of The North
The news we all expected so no real shock. Good luck to the guy, its a move that makes perfect sense for him. Disappointed in your touchline efforts to get him to remain at B6 JF. Surely in addition to your vocal encouragement, you could have offered him a pie and a pint?
glensider
Glad he's with us until the end of the season. I'm sure we will all miss him, and his beard.
Adam Deuce
"There's only one Mellberg" for the rest of the season i say ! goodbye and good luck !!
jaspervilla
Good luck with the Old Lady, Olof. (Did John Gregory bring him to Villa Park?)
SuperTommyJohnson
yes, JG did bring him to VP 5.6 mil if i remember rightly !
jaspervilla
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