Aston Villa have completed the signing of free agent defender Micah Richards.
The 26-year old has joined Villa on a four-year deal after leaving Manchester City at the conclusion of his contract with the club.
13-time England international Richards, who spent last season on loan with Fiorentina, will officially link up with Villa on July 1.
His new boss Tim Sherwood said: "I'm really pleased to get Micah on board and I'm sure he will prove to be an excellent signing for the football club."
Richards departs City having arrived at the club's youth academy in 2001 before signing a senior contract in 2005. He made close to 250 appearances for the club.
BREAKING NEWS: Villa sign defender @MicahRichards. Full details here: http://t.co/GOT9jWF06O#AVFCpic.twitter.com/MdZL9MaIN8
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) June 17, 2015