Mellberg Signs Pre-Contract With Juventus

It has been known for several weeks now that Juve were attempting to sign the Swedish international, whose contract at Villa Park runs out at the end of the current season.

However reports last week suggested that the Bianconeri were trying to acquire Mellberg immediately in return for a compensation package of around €700,000.

Ultimately it has been confirmed that the 30-year-old defender will see out his contract at Villa, before then joining Juventus on a Bosman transfer in July.

Mellberg, who has agreed to a three-year-deal, has expressed his delight with the move.

“I am very happy with the agreement,” he said.

"It will be an important experience, at a prestigious club and in one of the most important leagues in the world."

Mellberg joined Aston Villa from Racing Santander in 2001 and has since gone on to make more than 200 appearances for the club.

He has represented the Swedish national team on 77 occasions, playing at the European Championships of 2000 and 2004, and the World Cups of 2002 and 2006. He will also line-up at the heart of the defence at Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.