Anita Asante is hoping to help Aston Villa continue to grow their standing in the women’s game after completing her move to the club.

The defender has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at some of the best sides in England, Sweden and America, picking up 18 major trophies.

Having left Chelsea last month, Asante told Villa TV she was happy to be joining a side on an upward curve following Villa’s promotion to the FA Women’s Super League.

“It’s great to be joining a championship-winning side who have played brilliantly throughout the season,” she said.

“They’ve shown the desire to win and build on the legacy of the club. I’m delighted to be part of the next part of their journey.”

Asante’s top flight experience will be a massive boost for a squad that went unbeaten en route to winning the FA Women’s Championship.

The 35-year-old also boasts an impressive CV on the international stage, winning 71 caps and appearing at four major tournaments for the Lionesses.

She said: “One of the best things about this move is that I can contribute what I’ve experienced in the game as an international player and having played abroad to the growing legacy of the club.

“I can bring leadership with my temperament and I try to be level-headed. I try to bring that to my teammates and spread some positivity.

“I think I can support the young players coming through and push them to fulfil their potential.”

Another contributing factor in Asante’s decision to move to the Midlands was her relationship with Sporting Director Eniola Aluko.

The pair played together at Chelsea, Sky Blue FC in New Jersey and for their country, and Villa’s new addition knows she will help the club to be a success.

Asante said: “It’s great to see her and the position she holds, having the experience and knowledge that she had as a player is going to put us in a position to make sure the right bits are in place for us to challenge, train and compete.

“That’s one reason why I knew this was a positive move for me because I knew what she was like as a player and I know that she’ll be someone to be driving the standards here.”

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