The former Aston Villa captain has sent the club a heartwarming message following their incredible Europa League triumph in Istanbul
Jack Grealish of Everton acknowledges the fans as he celebrates victory at Aston Villa, his final game before the emergence of a season-ending injury. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Jack Grealish has reacted to Aston Villa's historic European win
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Jack Grealish has congratulated Aston Villa for their 'incredible' Europa League win, beating Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul to claim their first European trophy in 44 years. Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendia struck stunning first‑half goals before Morgan Rogers added a third to end Villa's 30‑year wait for silverware.
Villa opened the scoring through Tielemans, who volleyed in superbly from a lofted Morgan Rogers cross. Moments before the break, Buendia doubled the lead with a brilliant left‑footed finish into the far corner.
Unai Emery's side put the result beyond doubt just after the hour when Rogers slid home Buendia's delivery from close range. Villa then comfortably saw out the final half‑hour to secure their first European title since 1982.
It is full of interviews, features, striking images and celebrations as we look back at a season to remember.
Prince William, a lifelong Villa fan, watched proudly from the stands as Unai Emery sealed his fifth Europa League title, adding to his previous triumphs with Sevilla and Villarreal. For several players, including captain John McGinn, it marked a first major honour.
Emiliano Martinez, who played through a broken finger, dropped to the turf at full‑time before joininng his teammates in the celebrations. Emery initially hung back but was soon pushed to the front as Villa supporters roared their appreciation.
Former captain Grealish, who left for Manchester City in a £100m move in 2021 and is currently on loan at Everton, took to Instagram to send a message to the club and some of his old teammates.
"Congrats to the whole of Aston Villa," he wrote. "Absolutely incredible! Especially the people that have been there since the start!! Enjoy everyone!! UTV!!!"
Aston Villa players
Jack Grealish's message on social media
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An emotional McGinn, told TNT Sports after the match: "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. 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 can't describe it. 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 to 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."
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McGinn continued: "I wasn't nervous. I was for the semi-final. I had full confidence in our ability. We've built so much and this group of players deserve it. The supporters do. In the Championship every away end was full to the rafters. If we were relegated it'd be the same.
"Hopefully Prince William is paying for the free bar. He was in the dressing room before the game. He's a massive Villa fan, he was never going to miss it. He's just a normal guy, it's great to have his support. Hopefully he can have a couple of drinks with us and maybe get his credit card out."
Jack Grealish as a youngster
Jack Grealish as a youngster(Image: Jack Grealish/Twitter)
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Sending a message on X, Prince William said: "Amazing night!! Huge congratulations to all the players, team,staff and everyone connected to the club! 44 years since the last taste of European silverware!
"Special shout out to Boubacar Kamara who has been out injured but is such an integral part of our team and helped lay the foundations of this success. They've been amazing all game long. We could only hear them and it's great for them as well."
The club have confirmed that the trophy parade will take place today (Thursday) at approximately 4:30pm. It will set off from Branston Street in the Jewellery Quarter and follow a 4.5km route, taking in Sand Pits, Broad Street and Centenary Square.
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