Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar was lured by Premier stardom

Aston Villa new-boy Ron Vlaar today admitted the lure of the Premier League helped persuade him to turn down the chance to play in the Champions League.

Aston Villa new-boy Ron Vlaar today admitted the lure of the Premier League helped persuade him to turn down the chance to play in the Champions League.

Vlaar's old club Feyenoord will continue their attempt to qualify for the group stage of Europe's showpiece competition next week with a second-leg clash against Dynamo Kiev.

But Vlaar claimed the chance to face some of the best strikers in the world every week – including Holland team-mate Robin van Persie – convinced him the time was right to leave the Rotterdam club.

"You have to make decisions, and I'm very happy with the decision I made," said the 27-year-old centre-back. "To play in the Premier League is a dream for me. I had very good conversations with the manager here, and that gave me a very good feeling, which is very important.

"The opponents are better than what I've been used to in Holland. It's better for me to play at a higher level each week, which is important for me.

"Physically it's better than the Dutch league. The speed is much quicker, which I've already seen in training and something I have to get used to, but it will be no problem.

"I talked to Robin van Persie during Euro 2012. He told me about the Premier League and said it would really suit me. But it was still my decision and I'm very happy that Villa came in for me. I'm happy the deal was done."