Lucas Digne reveals why Steven Gerrard was so important in his Aston Villa move over Chelsea

Lucas Digne has cited Steven Gerrard as the main factor in his decision to shun interest from Chelsea to join Aston Villa.

The France international full-back completed a move to Villa Park on Thursday morning after the two Premier League clubs agreed a fee of around £25m for his services.

The move rounded off a hectic week in the transfer market for Gerrard and came hot on the heels of the completion of a loan deal for Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian admitted reuniting with his former Liverpool team-mate was a big draw towards moving to Villa Park - and fellow new signing Lucas Digne also suggested working under Gerrard was the main decision for his own move.

“It was the main factor. I came here for the manager,” Digne told the club website.

“I had a very good meeting with him and we spoke a couple of times during this month. I feel his desire to win, to show his football as a manager – the attacking football, the possession.

“I feel it’s what I want and what I want to show to the fans.

“I’m really happy to be here.

“It’s a big project after the signing of Philippe and the club spending a lot of money last summer.

“The project is really interesting. You can see from last summer that the project is in a good way, and I think all the players want to be here to be part of this project.

“I will try to bring myself. I’m a winner and I want to win every time, to show my quality and to improve everyday.”

The duo could make their Villa debut on Saturday night when Gerrard’s side host Manchester United just five days after the two sides met in the FA Cup third round.

Digne has faced Villa on five occasions during his time with Everton and has never experienced a win against his new employers.

The defender actually captained the Toffees and scored a goal on his most recent visit to Villa Park as a Villa side managed by former boss Dean Smith inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Rafa Benitez’s side.

Digne revealed his is looking forward to running out in claret and blue at “a magic stadium” as he turns his attention towards a possible debut against the Red Devils.

“It is a really nice stadium, the grass is amazing, the fans are make noise.

“It’s just a magic stadium.

“It will be big moment to play at Villa Park.

It would be a big game and a big first game if I have the opportunity to play.

“I can’t wait.”

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