Fabian Delph takes U-turn, joins Manchester City

Fabian Delph, who had expressed his desire to stay with Aston Villa, has taken a surprising U-turn and signed a five-year contract with Manchester City.

City have agreed to pay eight million pounds for the transfer of the mid-fielder, who had joined Villa Park in January.

Aston Villa have released a statement confirming their captain's exit, the BBC reported.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini said that at the age of 25, he was still about to have his best years ahead.

He also insisted that Delph was an excellent player and he was looking forward to work with him.

Delph, who completed his medical examination on Friday, will soon be joining his new teammates for pre-season training. He would be wearing the number 18 jersey which Frank Lampard wore last season.

The Aston Villa captain had earlier released a statement, saying that he was not leaving the club. Delph added that he was anxious for the start of the Premier League season.

Delph had helped Villa retain their Premier League status last term, making 28 league appearances. He also played a crucial role in their run to the FA Cup final, where they lost 4-0 to Arsenal.