Club confirms Emile Heskey has joined Aston Villa

The club have confirmed that England international Emile Heskey has joined Aston Villa.

The 31 year-old was out of contract at the end of the season and Steve Bruce has been explaining the reasons he has sanctioned the transfer.

"Emile is one of the best professionals I have ever had the pleasure of managing, and he has certainly helped to put this club on the map in his time here.

"Some supporters may be critical of the club for selling him at this time but the reality is that he was out of contract at the end of the season, and Aston Villa made a substantial offer for him.

"We did what we could to keep him here and but he feels at this time in his career he is ready for a fresh challenge and I respect that decision. He has never been anything less than a complete professional for this club.

"It is my job to make the tough decisions, and I feel that the club of Wigan Athletic were best served by allowing Emile the opportunity to leave for Villa.

"We were not looking to sell him, but the offer came along and in the circumstances, I feel it is too good to turn down.

"Emile is the England centre forward, and it is no wonder he has been on so many clubs' wanted lists."

Steve Bruce added: "On the plus side, we have confirmed Mido's arrival this afternoon and we're hoping, as everyone knows by now, to conclude the signing of Hugo Rodallega very soon.

"I feel we will be able to cope with Emile leaving, even if a player of his quality is very difficult to replace."

Emile had this message for the Wigan supporters.

"I'm sure many of you will be disappointed I have chosen to leave the club. But I have to do what I feel is best for me and my family. The chance to play in Europe, and hopefully in the Champions League again, is a huge thing for me at this time of my career, and the chance to rejoin Martin O'Neill, the man who did so much for me in my early years, really was too big to resist.

"I want to thank all the supporters at Wigan for how they have been with me.  From the day I walked in the club they made me feel wanted and the club has really helped me over the past three years. For that I will always be grateful.

"Wigan is a very special club and it has been a privilege to play a part in their story.  It makes me very proud to have been the first England player at the club, that really means a lot, I feel I have been involved in a bit of history. I sincerely hope I will not be the last.

"Good luck in the future, Steve has assembled a great team and I'm sure you will go from strength to strength."