Gerard Houllier has revealed that researching Aston Villa’s rich heritage convinced him that becoming the club’s new manager was too attractive an offer to turn down.

Houllier will officially take over the claret and blue hot-seat on Monday after extricating himself from the French Football Federation where he was employed as technical director.

The former Liverpool manager has an impressive pedigree in the game, having won major trophies in English and French football during more than 35 years in the game.

However, Houllier insists it is Villa’s past achievements over their 136-history that persuaded him to leave his native country to return to the Premier League after a six-year exile.

“After Liverpool and after Lyon I had several offers and this offer from Aston Villa came very late and I must say it was practically a strong proposition and almost irresistible because Aston Villa is a football club with a history, with a record, with a squad,” he said.

“It is a prestigious club which was founded in 1874 but I would say the most important thing is we are a founding member of the football league in 1888.

“Almost 30 years ago they won the seventh league championship. They are also European champions because they won it the following year. So it is a club which has a real pedigree, a real record and it played a part in my decision.”

Houllier, who was unveiled last Friday but had to fulfil prior commitments to his former employers in France, is looking forward to working with his new chairman and chief executive at Villa.

“I had a good job at the French FA and a safe one too but I am grateful to both Randy Lerner and Paul Faulkner for the trust they have put in me,” said Houllier, who will pick the team for the first time for Wednesday’s Carling Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park.

“Their determination and aspiration for the club made me feel like I want to be part of this management team. We are in this together now.

“Also probably my passion for English football and the Premier League, which to me is the best league in the world and probably the most covered. It has not diminished since my time at Liverpool.”

Houllier is also familiar with some of the great players from Villa’s past, including Gordon Cowans who is now on the club’s coaching staff.

“I also knew some of the former players like Paul McGrath, Dwight Yorke and Steve Staunton, who was in my side when I came here,” he added.

“Gareth Southgate, Andy Townsend, Andy Gray – they are those who stand out in my mind and, of course, also Gordon Cowans who is still at the club.”