- Ezri Konsa pays tribute to Aston Villa supporters after Europa League win, stating, “this is for you”
- Aston Villa breezed past SC Freiburg 3-0 to win their first major trophy in 30 years
The 30-year weight of history has finally been lifted from Aston Villa. Following a magnificent, and dominant 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg, Villa have captured the Europa League. Amongst all the post-match celebrations, Ezri Konsa dedicated the win to the claret and blue faithful.
Standing amidst the deafening cheers from the travelling Villa supporters, Konsa struggled to find the words to match the magnitude of the achievement.
“I don’t know (how I feel). I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I was saying not long ago how much of a journey it’s been. Seven years at this club, lots of ups and downs. To finally bring back some silverware for club and fans, it’s amazing. It’s something I can’t really describe.”
A seven-year journey
The 28-year-old’s perspective reflects the sentiments of a fanbase that has endured the darkest of lows in modern football. Relegation, missing out on a promotion, financial uncertainty, before embarking on a meteoric rise under Unai Emery.
Having been the heartbeat of the defence for seven years, Konsa has witnessed the transformation firsthand.
Gesturing towards the supporters, the England international made sure the spotlight remained firmly on the Villa faithful who backed the team.
“Look what it means to the fans (pointing to the crowd) the players, some of us who’ve been here for so long. The fans have been with us through thick and thin for us, travelled everywhere. This is for them!”
The 3-0 triumph over Freiburg was a tactical masterclass with some outstanding quality, showing how far Villa have progressed on the continental stage. Yet, for Konsa, the victory was rooted in a promise.
Ahead of the final, the centre-back had delivered an open letter to the supporters, urging them to “believe” and hold onto faith.
“If you saw my letter, I said ‘believe’. If you did – thank you. This is for you.”
ReadAstonVilla verdict
Villa’s Europa League win is more than just a trophy addition to the cabinet; it cements the legacy of the current group of players as legends.
By brushing aside Freiburg 3-0, Emery’s squad proved they possess the elite mentality required to win on the grandest stages.
However, as Konsa reminded everyone, football is nothing without its fans. This historic victory belongs equally to the players on the pitch and the generations of supporters who never stopped believing through three decades of waiting.
The 30-year drought is over, and the future at B6 has never looked brighter.
