Aston Villa's Mbwana Samatta calls move a 'big step' as Kodjia thanks fans

The 27-year-old joined Villa on Monday night after a long-term injury to summer recruit Wesley forced manager Dean Smith to hasten his search for new recruits.

“I’m so excited,” he said.

“It’s a huge step for me in my career.''

Samatta has scored ten goals in all competitions for Genk this season, including a goal at Anfield against Liverpool in the Champions League.

He was also the Belgian First Division's top scorer last campaign with 23 goals.

More importantly however, Samatta becomes the Premier League's first Tanzanian player in it's history, something the striker is acutely aware of.

“For all the people from Tanzania, this is a very big step for the country as well.

“Everybody there, they were looking for it to see when someone from Tanzania could play in the Premier League, and here today I am.

“I’m so happy.”

Given it's global reach, Samatta is familiar with the Premier League and it's clubs, revealing his fondness for former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor.

“Since I was a kid, I used to like watching Premier League games and one of the teams I used to watch was Aston Villa,” he added.

“I know many things about Aston Villa but most of all are some of the players who used to play here before.

“I used to watch Gabby Agbonlahor when he was here.

“It’s a massive club for me.”

Samatta's signing follows the departure of forward Jonathan Kodjia after the club countenanced his sale to Qatari side Al-Gharafa.

Kodjia took to social media to thank the fans for his time at Villa Park.

''A, page turns for all, for Aston Villa, for the Villans and for me, after four intense seasons from which we will remember many positive things, in 2016 my debut at Villa park and achievements.

''Three championships seasons and the beginning of the premier league season. Beyond the titles and the adventures that lasted almost four years, the people I met and this experience will forever leave incredible mark in my heart , that is why I can only thank you all:

''Thanks to supporters of Aston Villa Whether you are Villans, club subscribers or occasional spectators, you played a vital role in my progress. During the week or the weekend, you knew how to respond present and give a voice whatever the result of the game you attended.

''You had supported me since the first day in both good and bad times with the players with whom I worked and who we had made the club progress and who helped us to progress too.

''I am preparing for a new challenge while staying Villans , I shout a very strong go Villans!!!''