Olof Mellberg says the send-off by Aston Villa fans at the end of Sunday's 5-1 derby victory over Birmingham City will stay with him for a long time.

Mellberg, who is joining Juventus in the summer, left the pitch five minutes before the end of Sunday's memorable derby triumph, raising his clenched fists to all sides of the ground. The fans responded with a standing ovation.

"That meant a lot to me," the former captain said. "I don't know why I was taken off, but it was nice in a way because of the reception I had. Hopefully that was in the gaffer's mind."