‘It’s the proudest night of my career’published at 08:28 BST
08:28 BST
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
Aston Villa captain John McGinn speaking to TNT Sports following his side’s Europa League win:
“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. When 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 cant describe it.”
On how the game went:
“We started well. I’m biased, but we have a great set piece coach in Austin MacPhee. We tried to deceive a bit with the set piece. We did it against liverpool at the weekend. Youri [Tielemans] has great quality to find the goal. It’d have been over the bar if it were me!”
On what it means to win the trophy:
“It means a lot. 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 [Jack] Grealish and [Andy] Robertson win. It’s my turn. It’s so special, I’ll cherish every minute.”
Image source, Getty Images