Aston Villa 3-0 Freiburg: What Rogers, McGinn and Konsa said

Aston Villa goalscorer Morgan Rogers, speaking to TNT Sport: “It’s hard to put into words, we’ve worked so hard for this. We’ve delivered and come through. It’s a great moment for the fans, great for the club. We’ll go down in history.

“There was so much excitement. We’re all really excited.

“The manager has been banging on at me to get easier goals and get into the box. I’m happy I could get a toe onto it and score.

“I’m tired but not that tired. It’s all worth it in the end.”

Captain John McGinn, also speaking to TNT Sports: “I can’t believe it to be honest. What we’ve been through as a club, this club is close to being in a right bad way seven years ago. V Sports bought the club over. Their one remit was to get it back to the Premier League and back to the levels of before.

“Tonight was everything we built coming together. The pride I felt with 10 minutes to go knowing we were about to be champions – I cant describe it.”

On what it means to win the trophy: “It means a lot. As a kid growing up, I remember Celtic in 2003. It wasn’t a great night for them but it was special. I was lucky enough to go to the final at Hampden in 2007. To be here, in 2026, as captain of Aston Villa is incredible. It’s the proudest night of my career.

“I’ll try to enjoy it. I like to party, but I’ll take it easy to try and soak it all in.”

“Being 31, in my first European final, I’ve seen my mates [Jack] Grealish and [Andy] Robertson win. It’s my turn. It’s so special, I’ll cherish every minute.”

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Villa defender Ezri Konsa, speaking to TNT Sports: “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 the club and fans, it’s amazing. It’s something I can’t really describe.

“Look what it means to the fans, the players, some of us who’ve been here for so long.

“Fans have been with us through thick and thin for us, travelled everywhere. This is for them!”

On his message to the fans back home in Birmingham: “If you saw my letter, I said ‘believe’. If you did – thank you. This is for you.”

Did you know?

Morgan Rogers is the youngest Englishman (23y 298d) to score in a major European final since Steven Gerrard for Liverpool vs Alaves in the 2001 Uefa Cup final (20y 351d).
Youri Tielemans’ opener was Aston Villa’s seventh goal from a corner in the Europa League this season, more than any other side – only FC Porto in 2010-11 (eight) have netted from more in a single campaign.
The average age of Aston Villa’s starting XI was 29 years and 342 days, the third-oldest for a Europa League final after Fulham against Atletico de Madrid in 2010 (30y 245d) and Sevilla against Roma in 2023 (30y 53d).