Scott Sinclair says he is the happiest he has been for a long time after sealing a permanent move to FA Cup finalists Aston Villa on Tuesday following an unsuccessful spell with Manchester City.

The 26-year-old winger -- who has yet to represent England but played for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics -- brought to an end his three years at City by signing a four year contract with Villa for an undisclosed fee.

"This is the happiest I have been in a long time," said Sinclair, who started only three games for Manchester City.

"I believe that will help me perform better and push on for this great club in the coming years."

Sinclair, who played just five games for Chelsea during a five year stay there from 2005-2010, never settled at City.

He moved there in an £8million ($12.4million) deal following some eye-catching performances for Swansea, who he had joined from Chelsea for just £500,000.

However, he has looked more like the player he was at Swansea since he went on loan to Villa in January and has scored three goals for them whilst also adding a creative touch, which has helped them retain their Premier League status and an FA Cup final date with Arsenal.