'Impossible to put into words' - Aston Villa star speaks after £39m exit
Villa have made their first big sale of the summer after Jacob Ramsey completed his move to Newcastle in a deal which could eventually be worth £44million.
The 24-year-old Birmingham-born midfielder, who first joined the club’s academy at the age of six, departs having made 167 first-team appearances in all competitions, scoring 17 goals.
Ramsey’s sale will help Villa to comply with Uefa’s financial fair play rules and it is not expected the club will be able to reinvest much of the money in the current transfer window.
Villa will receive an initial £39m, with a possible further £5m in add-ons.
Writing on social media after completing his move, Ramsey said it was "impossible to put into words" what playing for Villa had meant.
He wrote: "From being a young fan in the Holte End to living my dream and scoring in front of it. This club has been an extended family to me and I've got memories for life - from making my Premier League debut, experiencing Champions League nights back at Villa Park and scoring my first goals in those competitions.
"To everyone at Aston Villa, both at the academy and in the first team, thank you for your support, belief and guidance.
"You've helped me become the person and player I am today. I've played with some of the best and made friends for life.
"Finally, to the fans, thank you for the love and backing. To represent you, as a boy from Birmingham, has been an absolute honour.
"Onto the next chapter now but wish you all nothing but the best for the future. Thank you for everything!"
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had confirmed the deal was close after his team drew 0-0 at Villa on Saturday.
Ramsey had travelled up for his medical on Friday after the clubs reached an agreement.
Villa had been open to selling the academy product after talks over a new deal failed to progress in recent months.
