Aston Villa captain John McGinn has jokingly urged Prince William to pay for the celebratory drinks after the club's emphatic 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday night. The match, held in Istanbul, saw goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia, and Morgan Rogers, securing Villa's first European silverware in 44 years.
Prince William's Presence
The Prince of Wales, a known Aston Villa supporter, attended the final to cheer on the team. McGinn, speaking on TNT Sports, said: 'Hopefully Prince William is paying for the free bar! He’s a classy guy, he was in the dressing room before the game and he’s a massive Villa fan so he was never going to miss it. It’s obviously great to have his support, just a normal guy but obviously it’s great to have his support. 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.'
Royal Reaction
Prince William later posted on X: '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! 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. UTV!'
Emery's Europa League Mastery
Manager Unai Emery further cemented his reputation as a specialist in the competition, winning the Europa League for a record fifth time. Former Aston Villa and England star Ashley Young praised Emery on BBC 5 Live: 'Emery is a winner. He is a born winner, especially in this competition when he has shown it time and time again. Put his name up there alongside Ancelotti and Mourinho. He’s put this club back into Europe, back into the Champions League. If you had said when we were in 16th position that he would come in and win the Europa League, not one player would think that would be true. He’s just got a way.'
McGinn's Emotional Victory
McGinn, 31, expressed his joy at finally winning a European trophy after watching former teammates Jack Grealish and Andy Robertson lift the Champions League. 'It means a lot,' he said. 'As a kid growing up I remember Celtic in 2003. It wasn’t a great night for them but it was special. I was lucky enough to go the final at Hampden in 2007. To be here, in 2026, as captain of Aston Villa is incredible. It’s the proudest night of my career. I’ll try to enjoy it. I like to party but I’ll take it easy to try and soak it all in. Being 31, in my first European final, I’ve seen my mates Grealish and Robertson win. It’s my turn. It’s so special, I’ll cherish every minute.'
