PARIS, August 6, 2008 (AFP) - Midfielder Mathieu Berson has joined French league One club Toulouse after being given a free ticket to leave struggling Spanish second division club Levante, Toulouse said Wednesday.

The 28-year-old started his career at French league 1 club Nantes, before moving to England in 2004 to join Aston Villa.

However, when he found himself playing reserve football at Villa, he moved to Auxerre in France on loan. Levante signed him in 2006 but have now been forced to let him go because of financial difficulties at the club.

'I am a defensive midfielder, more of a defender than a roving player and that's where I feel at ease,' Berson said on the club's website. 'I realize there are other players in the squad playing in that position but the coach wanted to strengthen the side there, so that's why I have come,' he said.