Aston Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris declared that "the sky is the limit" after watching Unai Emery's team secure a stunning 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul. The Egyptian billionaire, who took over the club alongside Wes Edens in 2018, was visibly emotional as he spoke to reporters in the mixed zone at the Tupraş Stadium.
A Remarkable Journey
Since their acquisition, Villa have risen from the Championship to European glory. Promotion back to the Premier League came in their first season under Dean Smith, followed by consolidation and then a leap into European competition. The appointment of Unai Emery proved transformative, leading to Conference League qualification, Champions League entry in 2023/24, and now Europa League triumph.
Sawiris Speaks
"Amazing. It means a lot. I can't express myself with words. Very special," Sawiris said. "An eight year ride and we saw today what hard work can do with Unai's effort and the whole team. An amazing win. Sky is the limit." When asked about the summer transfer window, he replied: "Let's not worry about the market tonight, time is for celebrations."
Emery's Tribute
Unai Emery, who has now won the Europa League four times, praised the owners and players. "I am thankful to Nassef and Wes... they are supporting always. I am thankful to the supporters and I am thankful for the players," he said. "They are protagonists on the field. This is the reason I am not feeling the king in this competition. I am feeling really thankful - we are the kings together."
Historic Win
The victory marks Villa's first major European trophy since winning the European Cup in 1982. Emery added: "After 1982 the club won the European Cup, it was something they were missing - the supporters - a trophy. Achieving this one is making us so, so happy but we are not going to stop."
