**Douglas Luiz**has spoken about his joy at returning to **Aston Villa**after his time in Italy.
The Brazilian was on the books between 2019 and 2024, becoming the club’s Player of the Season for the 2022/23 campaign and part of the team’s first successful bid for Champions League qualification.
The midfielder will help to manage the absences of John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, and Boubacar Kamara from the matchday squad as the Villans fight for targets across three fronts. It is a target that brings much happiness to a player who has witnessed the resurgence of the club firsthand in the past.
“For me, it’s so special to be here again. I had five great years in my career with this club. To come back here is so special for me and my family. Everyone is very happy. I had many opportunities with many clubs trying to get me, but when Aston Villa came to me, we didn’t need to listen to anyone else.
*“I just wanted to come back here because I had five great years here. I’ve had one and a half years, which have been very difficult, after I left Aston Villa. I want to find a way to be great again. I know that being at Aston Villa with Unai Emery, with these players, is the best option for me.”*
“The last few nights I haven’t been able to sleep; I’ve gone to bed later and I woke up early. Today I woke up at five in the morning to do my scans and everything else. I am very excited to play at Villa Park again. It’s such a special stadium for me.
“I had many good memories with the fans and this club, and I can’t wait to be back. To win trophies [is the aim]. We have the opportunity in our hands. We need to train hard and fight in every game.”