Arsenal's new signing, Ezri Konsa, is on first name terms with the heir to the throne
Prince William and Ezri Konsa
Prince William has met Ezri Konsa on several occasions(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
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Ezri Konsa has been given a royal seal of approval by Prince William, who once issued a two-word verdict on Arsenal's latest signing.
Konsa has completed his £51m move from the Prince of Wales' beloved Aston Villa on a four-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. William, who is first name terms with many of the Villa players, including Konsa, compared him to a luxury car.
Speaking earlier this year, Konsa said: "He called me a Rolls-Royce once. That got stuck in my head. I'll take that all day. It was really nice.
"Since I joined [in 2019], he has been showing unreal support, coming into the changing room, greeting everyone and showing everyone the utmost respect. Massive credit to him for taking his time to come and watch us and support us."
Konsa said it was always an honour to meet the heir to throne, even when he turned up just before a match. He added: "It's weird because on game day when he comes in, you're focused on the game a lot, so sometimes you're in the moment and you don't realise how big it is that you have got him coming in to greet everyone, shaking everyone's hand.
"You go home and think, 'Flipping hell, I just shook his hand, he knows my name.' It's massive and to have his support is brilliant for the club and the players.
Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa
Konsa is one of the Prince William's favourite players(Image: Getty Images)
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"Some of the players from different countries didn't know who he was beforehand, so for them to learn about him and know who he is, is big."
Konsa reiterated his gratitude to Prince William after Villa lifted the Europa League trophy last season. The prince was in the stands in Istanbul to see Villa romp to a 3-0 victory over Freiburg in May.
Speaking ahead of the World Cup, he said: "For the club it's special. Supporting Aston Villa, it's not easy, but he's managed to do that for a long time.
SC Freiburg v Aston Villa FC - UEFA Europa League Final 2026
Prince William watching Konsa in the Europa League final(Image: Getty)
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"He's stuck by our side, supported us a lot, been to a lot of games, and to be able to celebrate that moment in Europa League final with him was special."
Konsa becomes Arsenal's fifth major summer signing after Piero Hincapie joined permanently from Bayer Leverkusen and the arrivals of Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes.