Christopher Samba signs one-year deal with Aston Villa

Former Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba has signed a one-year deal with Championship club Aston Villa.

The 33-year-old was handed a contract by the Villans following a successful trial spell.

Samba has been training with Villa for the last few months, having been released by Greek side Panathinaikos in January.

"It's a big season as everyone knows and if I can play my part in making it successful, I will be very happy," he told the Villa website.

Samba left English football in 2012 to join Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, before returning for a brief stint with Queens Park Rangers.

The defender has also played for Dynamo Moscow in Russia and represented the Congo national team.