Emi Martínez says Aston Villa showed their desire to bring European football back to the club in Sunday’s season finale against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Villans started the day knowing they would be assured of seventh place with a win, and they never looked likely to loosen their grip on a place in the Europa Conference League during an emotional afternoon at Villa Park.
Speaking to a jubilant home crowd after the game, Martínez couldn’t hide his delight.
“It’s a great feeling,” he said.
“Where we were at the start of the season to where we are now, we should be grateful to qualify for Europe for the first time in 13 years.
“He (Unai Emery) just told us to play our game and that it was all about us not Brighton.
“We played an outstanding game from the first minute and I’m very proud to be wearing this shirt today.
“We wanted it more than them – that’s the reality. We wanted to be in Europe and this club deserves to be in Europe.”
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