Emi Buendia scored in the Premier League for the first time since March 2023 on Sunday and has revealed his pre-season heart-to-heart with Unai Emery
Aston Villa midfielder Emi Buendia(Image: SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images)
Emi Buendia insists he never wanted to leave Aston Villa – despite a two-and-a-half year wait for a Premier League goal.
The 28-year-old came off the bench to score Villa’s third in a 3-1 comeback win against Fulham on Sunday.
Having spent part of last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen and missed all of 2023/24 through injury, that was the attacker’s first league strike since March 2023.
It came not only against a backdrop of Villa’s poor start to the season but a summer in which it looked like the Argentine could be leaving the club.
But appearances in seven of Villa’s eight games this term have helped the former Norwich man recover form, fitness and confidence.
A pre-season heart-to-heart with Unai Emery and staff also proved important.
“I have been getting better and better and getting back to getting the confidence to play regularly,” Buendia said. “We had a clear meeting with the club and coaches to get the idea together.
“Always it was my preference to stay here because I really feel this club is my home and I feel myself close with everyone at the club and the fans because I think I can help this club to be even better in the future.
“We were really clear and together what he wants from me and what I can do for the team. Obviously, I want to help as much as possible the team to be successful.
“From the first moment I came to pre-season I worked really hard to get in the best shape. I felt quite well in pre-season, getting back with the team because the last months I had been on loan and we had not played together for a while.
“I had to get back in the rhythm of the team and the idea and philosophy of this club. I was feeling well, helping the team in pre-season and then also helping in the Premier League.”
Nothing helps Emery’s goal-shy side like finding the back of the net either.
“It’s been a long time,” Buendia admitted. “I had the season with the injury and then last season I could not have the impact I wanted with the team.
“So yeah, it’s been a long time, more than two years. I’m really happy but most of all to help the team get the first win of the season. It’s really important for me and the team.”
Buendia had to wait for his opportunity against Fulham, coming on as a half-time substitute for Liverpool-loanee Harvey Elliott and taking just four minutes to play a part in the John McGinn goal that made it 2-1.
“I wanted to impact the game as quickly as possible,” he continued. “Even having a few losses of the ball with the first touches I had, trying to get the rhythm of the game.
“At this level it is hard but I keep trying, keep asking for the ball to do my game. I managed to find McGinn with some advantage, obviously he made the rest with a driving run and an amazing shot from outside the box.”
What have you made of Buendia’s performances? Have your say here
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