Cardiff City announce signing of Calum Chambers as he reveals reason behind his decision
The centre-back, who can also play on the right or as a holding midfielder, rose through the ranks at Southampton before he joined the likes of Aaron Ramsey at Arsenal in 2014, the same year he won all of his three England caps.
Chambers, who has signed a three-year deal with the Bluebirds, has amassed almost 200 appearances in English football’s top flight over the last decade and will bring more quality and competition to the back line.
Chambers had a diminished role under Unai Emery at Villa last season and managed just five appearances in the Premier League, meaning the player felt it was the right time to move on to the next chapter in his career. And he revealed Erol Bulut was key to convincing him to move to the Welsh capital.
“I’m absolutely delighted, and I can’t wait to get started,” Chambers said. “I think after speaking to the club, it felt like they were very ambitious in where they were heading.
“It seemed like a really good project to be a part of, and I didn’t really want to miss out. I’m at a stage in my career where I want to be ambitious and create memories for myself as well. It was a good time for us both to meet at this point.
“The stadium is quality and it’s a great club. I can’t want to play here at the stadium for the first time. The manager was key. We had some good conversations, we’re both very ambitious and want to push this club up.
“It’s a very good squad as it is. I just want to come in as a centre-half; I like to get on the ball and play, be vocal on the pitch, so if I can do that it will bring the best out of me as well.”
Bulut has wanted to add at both ends of the pitch this summer. He has signed Willock and now Chambers, with a midfielder and striker still high on the wish list. Sign up to our Cardiff City newsletter here.