Future King emotional at final whistle as he witnesses his beloved Aston Villa win their first major trophy in 30 years
An ecstatic Prince William holds onto the Europa League trophy as he celebrates Aston Villa’s historic Europa League victory.
The future King, who is a huge Villa fan, was pictured last night with his hands on the trophy alongside the club’s manager Unai Emery.
 |
| PRINCE WILLIAM AND UNAI EMERY POSED FOR PHOTOS TOGETHER WITH THE EUROPA LEAGUE TROPHY ASTON VILLA |
It comes after photos showed William looking emotional as Villa clinched claimed their first major silverware in 30 years - and a first European title since 1982.
The Prince of Wales attended the Europa League final in Istanbul on Wednesday evening where his beloved Villa won 3-0 against German side Freiburg.
After the victory William erupted into cheers and celebrated with friends who had watched the game alongside him. He appeared to wipe away tears.
 |
| CAMERASPORT VIA GETTY IMAGES |
 |
| WILLIAM CELEBRATES ASTON VILLA’S VICTORY WITH HIS FRIENDS GETTY IMAGES |
It was Villa’s first major European final since the prince was born, their first silverware since the League Cup in 1996 and a first continental trophy since the European Cup in 1982.
After the match, Kensington Palace published the Prince of Wales’ message to the team: “Amazing night!!
“Huge congratulations to all the players, team, staff and everyone connected to the club! 44 years since the last taste of European silverware!”
The prince added: “Special shout out to Boubacar Kamara who has been out injured but is such an integral part of our team and helped lay the foundations of this success.”
Midfielder Kamara has been absent since suffering a knee injury earlier this year.
After lifting the trophy, Villa captain John McGinn said that William, who has followed the club since he was a schoolboy, met the players before kick-off.
“He is a classy guy,” McGinn told TNT.
“He was in the dressing room before the game. He is a massive Villa fan so he was never going to miss it.
“He is just a normal guy. It’s great to have his support and hopefully it continues and tonight he can have a couple of drinks with us and maybe get his credit card out at the end of the night.”
During the final, Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia each scored a goal at the end of the first half.
Morgan Rogers then added a third in the 58th minute, sparking jubilant scenes at the final whistle.
Striker Ollie Watkins revealed the secret to Villa’s triumph following the match.
A trophy parade is due to take place in Birmingham later on Thursday.
- MATT WATTS
No comments:
Post a Comment