Unai Emery reveals what he said to Aston Villa super-fan Prince William after famous win over Bayern Munich

Unai Emery had a visit from none other than Prince William following Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory against Bayern Munich, and the manager revealed specifics of their chat on a’special’ Champions League night.

The two clubs seemed to be going for a goalless draw on Villa’s return to the big time, 42 years after their European Cup final victory against Bayern, but second-half replacement Jhon Duran had other plans.

Nine minutes after replacing Ollie Watkins, the 20-year-old attacker collected a precise pass from Pau Torres and unleashed an incredible 40-yard shot over Manuel Neuer to break the tie and lift the roof off Villa Park.

Emiliano Martinez preserved Villa’s slim lead with a remarkable injury-time stop to deny England captain Harry Kane, delivering the hosts a historic victory, their second of the campaign following a 3-0 setback to Young Boys the previous time out.

Prince William, a lifelong Villa fan, was spotted punching the air in celebration of Duran’s stunning triumph, and the heir to the throne was able to catch up with Emery following the incident.

When asked if he had talked with Prince William, Emery told TNT Sports, “I told him that the best moments we can have are days like today, and we should try to enjoy them.”

‘Because when you get to the finish, I’m not sure where, but whatever we do along the road, every day, every match, try to enjoy it and the journey.

‘And today, of course, winning, the way we played, the squad we played, and being in the Champions League 42 years after the final, it was a memorable day.

‘But, as I said before the match, we want to keep it for a long time, being in Europe on a regular basis, and perhaps having more days like today.’

Emery had nothing but admiration for Villa’s match-winner Duran, who has had to be patient for opportunities over the previous year.

‘We’re working with him, but the most important thing is his attitude and dedication to us right now,’ said the Villa head coach.

‘He really changed his perspective, and he’s available to play 90 minutes, 60 minutes, or 30 minutes, and he’s been focusing on every minute he’s playing.

‘Of course, we have two very talented attackers, and the effort they performed tonight was impressive. Watkins’ last encounter against the centre-backs, particularly with [Dayot] Upamecano, was a difficult one, with many duels.

‘The final 20 minutes were a really wonderful time; we attempted to do something more, including this work with Jhon Duran, and, of course, for him to score the goal he did was amazing for him, the team, and everyone.’

Emery was particularly happy with Diego Carlos and Ezri Konsa’s efforts after Villa put up an incredible defensive effort to keep Kane and Michael Olise at bay.

‘Against clubs like that and with the talent they have, it’s really vital defensively to be strong and attempt to fix their offensive guys very well, which we did,’ the Spaniard said.

‘Today, Emiliano Martinez performed a wonderful job, making incredible saves.

Of course, Diego Carlos and Ezri Konsa needed to enhance their right-side play, and Konsa performed particularly well today against very excellent wingers.

‘They delivered an outstanding effort for both the team and themselves.