Before his team’s incredible Europa League comeback against Nottingham Forest on Thursday night, Prince William seemed to give Aston Villa manager Unai Emery words of encouragement, if not technical guidance.
The ardent supporter and heir apparent was filled with emotion in the stands as he saw Emery and company defeat their Premier League rivals 1-0 in a spectacular manner with to goals from Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and a brilliant penalty kick by Emi Buendia.
The Birmingham-based team’s first trip to a European final since winning the European Cup final in 1982 was assured by the triumph on home soil.
To the delight of one of their most well-known fans, Villa will now start getting ready to play Bundesliga team Freiburg in Istanbul on May 20. Daily Mail Sport has learned that the future King will attend the final to watch his team win.
The Prince of Wales greeted McGinn and spoke with Emery prior to kickoff. Following the final whistle, he caught up with a happy Matty Cash and teammate Lucas Digne.
Given that Cash disclosed his strong relationship with the team two seasons prior, Prince William’s presence in the dressing room would not have been shocking to Villa’s players.
Prior to Aston Villa’s remarkable Europa League comeback, Prince William spoke with head coach Unai Emery.
As England head coach Thomas Tuchel gets ready to declare his World Cup team, the FA Patron also spoke with him. “We hear from him quite a bit,” Cash added when talking about another European trip for the Prince with Villa in October 2023. He attends training classes. When he comes, we treat him like a regular guy because that’s how he talks to us.
Additionally, Cash affirmed his bond with club captain and England player Tyrone Mings, saying:Being a huge Villa supporter, he enjoys hanging out with the boys.
He is familiar with all of our names and nicknames. He enjoys visiting Villa Park and is a true supporter. I believe Tyrone talks to him a lot.
Prince William is a supporter both on land and at sea, having joined the team on previous European adventures in Paris and Monaco during last season’s Champions League round. He also frequently attends the club’s Bodymoor Heath training base.
The Prince was also interviewed by TNT Sports prior to Villa’s encounter against Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital, cautioning Emery and company to watch out for deadly playmaker Vitinha.
Prince William with Lucas Digne and Matty Cash behind the scenes 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Ta7NPLvxTS
John McGinn, who scored a vital brace to secure Villa’s tickets to Istanbul, also talked with the Prince of Wales prior to kickoff.
Prince William was clearly moved in the crowd as his team advanced to their first European final since 1982. pic.twitter.com/nULh6DQrUL
Prince William, who had appeared anxious during parts of the competition, rejoiced enthusiastically at full time on Thursday night. He danced to Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline over the sound system and then went to the dressing room to congratulate them.
However, it’s also possible that the Prince tried to increase his chances of hearing the ubiquitous triumph anthem in a different setting this summer, when the FA Patron spoke with England head coach Thomas Tuchel at Villa Park.
As he considers his final World Cup team in advance of this summer’s competition, the German manager was present.
