Jack Grealish has reacted to Aston Villa's historic European win by sending a heartfelt message to the club following their 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul. The former Aston Villa captain, who left for Manchester City in a £100 million move in 2021 and is currently on loan at Everton, took to Instagram to congratulate the team.
"Congrats to the whole of Aston Villa," Grealish wrote. "Absolutely incredible! Especially the people that have been there since the start!! Enjoy everyone!! UTV!!!"
Match Overview
Aston Villa secured their first European trophy in 44 years with a dominant performance against Freiburg. Youri Tielemans opened the scoring with a stunning volley from a lofted Morgan Rogers cross. Just before the break, Emi Buendia doubled the lead with a brilliant left-footed finish into the far corner. After the hour mark, Morgan Rogers slid home Buendia's delivery from close range to put the result beyond doubt. Villa comfortably saw out the final half-hour to claim their first European title since 1982.
Prince William and Unai Emery
Prince William, a lifelong Villa fan, watched proudly from the stands as Unai Emery secured his fifth Europa League title, adding to his previous triumphs with Sevilla and Villarreal. For several players, including captain John McGinn, it marked a first major honour. Emiliano Martinez, who played through a broken finger, dropped to the turf at full-time before joining his teammates in the celebrations. Emery initially hung back but was soon pushed to the front as Villa supporters roared their appreciation.
John McGinn's Emotional Reaction
An emotional McGinn told TNT Sports after the match: "I can't believe it to be honest. What we've been through as a club, this club is close to being in a right bad way seven years ago. V Sports bought the club over. Their one remit was to get it back to the Premier League and back to the levels of before. Tonight was everything we built coming together. The pride I felt with 10 minutes to go knowing we were about to be champions - I can't describe it. It means a lot."
McGinn continued: "I wasn't nervous. I was for the semi-final. I had full confidence in our ability. We've built so much and this group of players deserve it. The supporters do. In the Championship every away end was full to the rafters. If we were relegated it'd be the same. Hopefully Prince William is paying for the free bar. He was in the dressing room before the game. He's a massive Villa fan, he was never going to miss it. He's just a normal guy, it's great to have his support. Hopefully he can have a couple of drinks with us and maybe get his credit card out."
Prince William's Message
Sending a message on X, Prince William said: "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. They've been amazing all game long. We could only hear them and it's great for them as well."
Trophy Parade Details
The club have confirmed that the trophy parade will take place today (Thursday) at approximately 4:30pm. It will set off from Branston Street in the Jewellery Quarter and follow a 4.5km route, taking in Sand Pits, Broad Street and Centenary Square.
