'We'll go down in history' - Villa end trophy wait on momentous night

Aston Villa has finally achieved what Unai Emery promised upon his arrival: silverware. Three-and-a-half years after taking the helm, the Spanish manager delivered the Europa League trophy, ending a long wait for the club and its passionate fanbase. The 3-0 victory over Freiburg in Istanbul was a culmination of Emery's tactical prowess and the team's resilience throughout a season that started poorly but ended in triumph.

Skipper John McGinn lifted the trophy, etching Villa's name into history alongside the 1982 European Cup heroes who were present to witness the momentous occasion. The echoes of past glories were palpable as the current squad wrote their own chapter, with spectacular goals from Tielemans and Buendia, followed by Rogers' sealing strike. This triumph not only brings a major trophy back to Villa Park but also secures a coveted Champions League spot, a testament to the club's resurgence under Emery.

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I feel amazing. My voice is a bit gone but it's all good. We put in a shift and a top performance, we've had a great season and to top it off with this. it's amazing.

Emery's record in this competition is unparalleled, and while he may shy away from the 'European king' label, his five Europa League titles speak volumes about his pedigree. The celebrations were wild, from the players on the pitch to the manager on the touchline, and the thousands of fans who descended upon Istanbul. The planned trophy parade through Birmingham is set to be a massive event, a fitting way to celebrate a historic achievement that will be remembered for decades to come.

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It's amazing. It's been a season with a lot of ups and downs. We started so so bad. Our standards were very poor. The way we turned things around was a credit to the players and staff. We kept working, believing. We got the win in the end, Champions League next season and a trophy.