Ross McCormack admits he is determined to guide Aston Villa back to the Premier League after becoming the most expensive Scottish player off all time.
The Scotland striker completed his £12 million switch from Fulham yesterday and has now been involved in transfers totalling £23.47 million, having also played for Cardiff City and Leeds United.
That figure is more than what was paid to secure the services of Duncan Ferguson after Rangers, Everton and Newcastle shelled out a total of £22.88 million for the forward.
Fellow Scotland striker Steven Fletcher’s moves to Burnley, Wolves and Sunderland cost £21.5 million, while Jordan Rhodes transfers to Huddersfield, Blackburn and Middlesbrough total £19.35 million.
McCormack had also been the subject of interest from Alex Neil’s Norwich City but the 13-times capped forward, who scored 23 goals last season, reckons Villa is a club that matches is his own ambition.
Speaking to avfc.co.uk, McCormack said: “This is a great club and it’s very exciting to be part of this project to put the club back where it belongs, which is the Premier League.
“This is a personal goal of mine and a goal shared by everyone in the changing room as well as the staff and the fans.
“When you hear the name Aston Villa, the first thing that comes into your head is, Premier League club.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe we could achieve promotion. This is an exciting project that I can help with.
“To think we’re sitting down in the Championship is not very good at the moment but there’s a mentality that’s growing.
“I’ve spoken with the coaching staff at length and they say there’s a solidarity in the changing room that’s increasing all the time.
“My talks with the manager (Roberto Di Matteo) have been very positive – nothing about the past and all about the here and now’. There’s a chance to be part of the history of this great football Club by putting it back where it belongs.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe we could achieve promotion. I have had other options, as everyone knows, but I see this as an exciting project that I can help with.
“There’s already some good players here and we’ve signed some more this summer too, and hopefully I can add to that and help us achieve the goals we’re looking to achieve.”
Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo, who also has Scotland right back Alan Hutton in his squad, said: “I’m delighted to bring Ross on board.
“He’s a player with proven track record and plenty of experience in the division.
“He is a player whose goalscoring record has been excellent everywhere he has been and we feel he can be an important addition.”
