Unai Emery proud after making Europa League history with Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery expressed immense pride after guiding the club to UEFA Europa League glory in Istanbul on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
The Premier League side secured a commanding 3-0 win over SC Freiburg at Beşiktaş Park, with Emery collecting a fifth Europa League title in his managerial career, extending his remarkable record in the competition.
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Speaking after the final whistle, the Spanish tactician reflected on the journey that led to Villa’s memorable triumph and paid tribute to everyone connected with the club.
Proud moment
“I’m thankful,” he said. Thankful to the owners. Thankful to Aston Villa and every worker. Thankful to you. And thank you, especially, to the supporters. They were travelling with us all season, away, in Europe, 3,000, 4,000; in all the countries we were playing, they were there,” he added.
“And of course, especially something very important in Villa Park. We were creating a great atmosphere, energy, and positive energy.
“And today, here, we were feeling we were in Villa Park. And the supporters deserved it after 1982, the European Cup.
“Again, we were playing the final today, and of course, we were ready to compete, respecting the opponent, respecting Europe.
“We have won because we did a very serious competition during the process, and today especially against Freiburg, and of course for our supporters.”
Villa produced a dominant display in the final, with goals from Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendía and Morgan Rogers sealing a famous victory.
The triumph also marked the club’s first major trophy in three decades, rewarding the progress made under Emery since his arrival in Birmingham.
Unai’s reflections
Reflecting on the game itself, Emery explained how the contest gradually swung in Villa’s favour after a cautious opening period.
“The first 30 minutes, we were testing the match, both teams; we were trying to set how we were managing the first 30 minutes.
“But then progressively we were feeling better, and when we were scoring through the set pieces, we gained a lot of confidence for the match.
“We showed desire, like the supporters transmit to us. Every team I coached how they gave me, showing their way for a trophy is really fantastic, and here is the same.
“Because here, Aston Villa won the European Cup, and this is a club as well with this history, and titles.
“Of course, a long time not achieving it, but I think it’s because the club and the supporters and everybody was following the same message.
“We needed again to try to be competing for a trophy, especially in Europe, it’s a very good opportunity. But of course, Premier League is something fantastic, how we are performing four years, being in the top seven, top five, now we are fourth again against the best teams in the world.”
“It’s really fantastic. I am so, so proud.”
