Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has described new signing Micah Richards as "a winner" following his summer arrival from Manchester City.

Richards ended a 10-year stint with City by signing a four-year contract at Villa Park last month, having spent the 2014-15 season on loan at Serie A side Fiorentina.

Sherwood has spoken of his desire to rid Villa of their "losing mentality", and he believes that the acquisition of Richards could be the first step towards that goal.

"He is a winner. He is a Premier League champion at a great age and is hungry for success," Sherwood told reporters.

"What he brings more than anything is a winning mentality."

Villa get their 2015-16 season underway against Premier League new boys Bournemouth on August 8.