Marco Asensio has expressed his happiness at joining Aston Villa, citing Unai Emery’s playing style as the perfect fit for him.
The 29-year-old became the club’s fourth signing of the winter window when he completed a loan move from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day.
A three-time UEFA Champions League winner, Asensio says the influence of Villa manager Emery was a key part of the move.
“I’m really happy to join Aston Villa,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to being able to contribute to this club, to add to this team with eagerness and with lots of excitement.”
Asensio added: “Unai is a coach that I’ve known for a while. He’s had a great career, he’s a top coach, he’s been key in me being able to come here because of his idea of how he wants to play football.
“I love it, it suits me perfectly and he’s a really important person as to why I’m here right now.”
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Asensio arrives in B6 with a glittering CV that includes a combined four league titles in France and Spain, six domestic cup winners’ medals, four FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, an Olympic silver medal and a Nations League title.
The Spaniard is looking forward to playing his part over the second half of the season as Villa compete in the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
He said: “I’ve got experience in these types of games (Champions League).
“They are games that are decided based on small margins. And well, we’ll tackle (each game) in the best way, prepare to win those games, at home with the support of the fans always and I think we’ll be prepared when we get to that phase."
Asensio continued: “Lots of my team-mates have spoken about the Premier League, that it’s the best league in the world for a lot of reasons; because of the players, because of the fans, because of the competition, every game is very difficult, the level is very, very high.
“And well, it’s something incredible, being able to play in the Premier League. I’m looking forward to measuring myself against the best teams in the world every weekend and that’s something for a player like me. It’s an objective in my career and I’m pleased that I can achieve it now.”
Watch Marco's first interview as an Aston Villa player in full, below…
