Angel seals Villa exit
17 Apr 2007 - 16:47:13
Juan Pablo Angel has ended his six-year stay at Aston Villa by completing his switch to Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.
Angel cost Villa a then club record fee when he was signed by former boss John Gregory from River Plate in 2001.
The Colombia international scored 58 times in more than 200 appearances for the Midlands club, but has been in and out of the first team since Martin O'Neill was appointed Villa boss last summer.
The 31-year-old has made 28 appearances this season but has mainly been used as a second-half substitute following O'Neill's January acquisitions of Ashley Young and John Carew and the form of academy graduate Gabriel Agbonlahor.
His best season came in 2003-04 when he scored 23 goals as Villa narrowly missed out on qualifying for the UEFA Cup.
Angel told the MLS side's official website:" I am delighted to be joining the New York Red Bulls. I cannot wait to start this new exciting challenge.
"I believe Major League Soccer is growing fast and I am very keen to be part of this. I am grateful for the faith coach Bruce Arena and the club has put in me and I cannot wait to join up with my new team-mates.
"I would like to thank Martin O'Neill, Aston Villa and especially the supporters who have always made me so welcome and I will always have great memories of my time at the club. I wish the club well for the future."
New York Red Bulls have already signed former Manchester City midfielder Claudio Reyna for the forthcoming season.
