Victorious Aston Villa manager Unai Emery kisses the Europa League trophy

Credit : Nick Potts/PA

Unai Emery had argued against the notion that he was the Europa League king but, in front of royalty, he once again took the crown. Never mind a king, Emery was, here in Istanbul, the adored emperor.

As promised, the Prince of Wales was in attendance as his beloved Aston Villa so impressively won their first silverware in 30 long years and their first European trophy since lifting the European Cup in May 1982.

That was the month before Prince William was born and his celebrations – and there were tears – were as unbridled and joyous as any Villa fan. They so thoroughly deserved this.

“Oh, it must be… Peter Withe,” is no longer the only European soundtrack for Villa. It is Youri Tielemans. And Emiliano Buendía. And Morgan Rogers as Villa simply demolished Freiburg. That is a lot of names to wrap around Villa Park but the achievements warrant it and surely we can expect an added livery to the grand stadium.…