Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa has opened up on the support his club have received from Prince William ahead of their Europa League final.
The Prince of Wales is set to travel to Istanbul this week to watch Aston Villa compete in their first major European final in more than four decades.
Wednesday’s Europa League showdown against German side Freiburg represents Villa’s biggest continental match since their European Cup victory over Bayern Munich in Rotterdam back in 1982.
Prince William was born less than a month after that historic triumph.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa has opened up on the support his club have received from Prince William ahead of their Europa League final.
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The Birmingham club are desperate to end a lengthy silverware drought, having last claimed a trophy when they defeated Leeds United in the 1996 League Cup final at Wembley.
At that time, the future king was just 13 years old.
Defender Ezri Konsa has offered a fascinating glimpse into the royal supporter’s dedication to the squad ahead of the final.
“Ever since I joined, he has shown unreal support, coming into the changing room and showing us the utmost respect,” the centre-back said.
Defender Ezri Konsa has offered a fascinating glimpse into the royal supporter’s dedication to the squad ahead of the final.
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Konsa revealed that William once described him as a “Rolls-Royce” – a compliment that clearly made an impression.
“That got stuck in my head and it’s nice,” he admitted.
The England international described the peculiar nature of meeting royalty on matchdays.
“Sometimes you get caught up in the moment, and you go home and think, ‘flipping h**l, I just shook his hand, and he knows my name and everything’,” Konsa explained.
He added that having such high-profile backing benefits both the club and its players.
Earlier this month, William was pictured at Villa Park to see Unai Emery’s side dispatch Nottingham Forest in the second-leg semi-final of the Europa League.
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Konsa also noted that several teammates from overseas were initially unfamiliar with the identity of the heir to the throne.
“Some of the players didn’t know who he was beforehand, as they are from different countries, so for them to learn about him and know who he is, it is big,” he said.
Prince William’s affection for Villa stretches back to his school days.
Earlier this month, he was pictured at Villa Park to see Unai Emery’s side dispatch Nottingham Forest in the second-leg semi-final of the Europa League.