May in quotes
Men
31 May 26
As Aston Villa’s 2025/26 season concludes, another month reaches its end, with May a simply unforgettable one in the club’s history.
After a difficult start, losing at home to Tottenham Hotspur, Unai Emery’s men turned their fortunes to fantastic effect, with an emphatic semi-final second leg win over Nottingham Forest securing their place in the UEFA Europa League final.
Another impressive win at Villa Park over reigning Premier League champions Liverpool secured Villa’s spot in the table’s top five, ensuring they would play in the Champions League next season, before they headed to Istanbul for the Europa League final.
The pre-match excitement had reached a tantalising climax by the time kick-off had come around against Freiburg at Beşiktaş Park, and the Villans more than lived up to the level of expectation which had been generated.
A 3-0 win saw Emery’s charges claim only their second-ever major European honour, and first major trophy in over 30 years as thousands of the claret and blue faithful partied long into the night on the banks of the Bosphorus, and thousands more back home welcomed Villa back to Birmingham for the trophy parade the next day.
The Villans would have been forgiven for being a little off the pace four days after the final, when travelling to Manchester City for their final outing of the season, with the Europa League trophy already in the cabinet and Champions League football for 2026/27 secured.
But, after a tricky opening period at the Etihad Stadium, Villa turned the game on its head after the break, as Ollie Watkins’ brace took his tally for the campaign up to 21 in all competitions, ensuring a fantastic end to a truly memorable week, month and indeed season.
Here is May 2026 in quotes…
“The most important thing for them is to try to compete and escape from the bottom. He will get success during his time with Tottenham, I’m sure.”
Unai EmeryMay 1 – Ahead of Aston Villa’s return to Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur
“I think it’s all about us. Players especially, we just want to win the game, regardless of the opponent, so that’s going to be down to us.”
Youri TielemansMay 2 – As Villa prepare to take on struggling Spurs on home soil
“Today we lost, and today they deserved to win, Tottenham, and keep going in the Premier League to fight for the positions we are.”
Unai EmeryMay 3 – After his Villans fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Tottenham
“Collectively, if you play for this football club, the energy, passion, fight and desire are an absolute minimum, and from one to 11 I don’t think that was there in the first half.”
Tyrone MingsMay 3 – After Villa fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Tottenham
“It’s the type of game where you review it again, and did we deserve to lose? Did we create more chances, dominate more to be in a different outcome? Probably, yes.”
Natalia ArroyoMay 4 – After Aston Villa Women fell to defeat at home to West Ham United on Bank Holiday Monday
“The good thing about football is games come thick and fast, we’ve got to forget about the last three games and focus on tomorrow. We’re playing at home in front of our fans. It will be a special night.”
Ezri KonsaMay 6 – Ahead of Villa’s UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg at home to Nottingham Forest
“I am so, so confident tomorrow, the supporters will respond like they did all the momentum we had before, something similar, playing Europe in Conference, against Olympiacos two years ago, last year against PSG, and this year against Nottingham tomorrow.”
Unai EmeryMay 6 – As Aston Villa fans prepare for the second leg of their semi-final clash with Forest
“It’s not with a heavy heart that I’m hanging up my boots. I’ve enjoyed such a wonderful career that I feel lucky to leave the game currently with so much experience and a really fulfilling career behind me.”
Lucy StaniforthMay 7 – After her announcing her retirement from professional football
“I took the responsibility and it was one of the most decisive penalties for the club in recent years.”
Emi BuendíaMay 7 – After netting Villa’s decisive second goal from the penalty spot in a 4-0 second leg win over Forest
“It was always going to be difficult for them here at Villa Park. We’ve been looking forward to this for weeks. Everyone’s minds were on this game tonight.”
Ollie WatkinsMay 7 – After scoring his side’s first goal and helping them reach the Europa League final
“I’m so, so proud of how we played the match. The players and the supporters were responding.”
Unai EmeryMay 7 – After Aston Villa turned the tie in the second leg to book their spot in the Europa League final
“I was nervous coming into the game and tonight was up there with one of the best performances I’ve seen here from a Villa team. We started with intent.”
John McGinnMay 7 – After his late brace against Forest helped seal Villa’s spot in the Europa League final
“Our power is the group. Our power is how the players are responding together. Individually, it’s very difficult to achieve our objective.”
Unai EmeryMay 8 – On Villa’s team spirit, ahead of his side’s return to Premier League action to take on Burnley at Turf Moor
“I think in the end, a valuable point after going a goal behind, but it’s disappointing really, the fact that obviously we got ourselves in front and let it slip away.”
Ollie WatkinsMay 10 – After Villa were made to wait to secure their Champions League spot, after a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor
“We deserved more, we deserved to win, but we conceded three real and clear chances and they scored two goals.”
Unai EmeryMay 10 – After Aston Villa surrendered a 2-1 lead to draw against Burnley
“Tomorrow we are playing against a team who were favourites and contenders at the beginning because they won the Premier League last year. We are with the same points as them, and that’s something fantastic and something that we must be so proud of.”
Unai EmeryMay 14 – Ahead of Villa’s final home game of the Premier League season against Liverpool
“We’ve got a chance to get a bit of silverware, but the fact this club’s in the Champions League next season is an unbelievable achievement again.”
John McGinnMay 15 – After a 4-2 win over Liverpool secured Villa’s spot in the 2026/27 Champions League
“And of course, the season is not finishing for us. We are in Istanbul! And we are going to play for you, for a trophy! Up the Villa! Let’s go to Istanbul!”
Unai EmeryMay 15 – On the pitch looking ahead to the Europa League final, after his side secure a top-five finish with a win over Liverpool
“I think the main objective was to win the game and obviously get Champions League. I think we played really well and against a really good team as well. I’m delighted, really happy.”
Matty CashMay 15 – After Villa secure Champions League with an emphatic win over Liverpool at Villa Park
“A lot of people had written me off this season and I use that as motivation to show them that I can be back to my best, scoring and helping the team, and I think I’ve showed that for the last few games.”
Ollie WatkinsMay 15 – After netting a brace against Liverpool at Villa Park to take his seasonal tally to 19 goals in all competitions
“It's a special moment and it's going to be an amazing occasion. Hopefully we can give Villa fans the enjoyment of bringing back a trophy.”
Matty CashMay 17 – Looking ahead to the Europa League final against SC Freiburg
“It’s been an amazing lesson of perseverance, resilience and constant adaptability.”
Tyrone MingsMay 18 – On Villa’s journey to the Europa League final, over a number of years
“For me, it’s a huge responsibility to play in a final with Aston Villa, because I know how difficult it is to get a trophy, how difficult it is to play one final.”
Unai EmeryMay 18 – As he aims to lift the Europa League for the fifth time in his career, and the first with Aston Villa
“To all the fans out there, let me say one final thing. It’s simple. Believe… We are all Villans. Let’s bring it home.”
Ezri KonsaMay 19 – In his touching ‘Dear Villa’ letter ahead of the Europa League final
“We play for them. The crowds at home, the crowds away, are just as good, equally. It doesn't go unnoticed; it doesn't go unappreciated.”
Morgan RogersMay 19 – On wanting to give back to the Villa faithful in the Europa League final
“I have the belief and the confidence that I can do it. I believe in my team and in myself. I will go into the final thinking that I have to win it.”
Emi MartínezMay 19 – Looking to maintain a perfect record of six wins in six finals, in Istanbul
“I need to win tomorrow with the players we have now, with Aston Villa now, with the opponent we will face tomorrow now. It’s a new way, a new moment, and hopefully a new era.”
Unai EmeryMay 19 – As he looks to create history with Aston Villa in Istanbul
“This isn't something we want to come here and celebrate in a sort of fanfare. We want to be focused on this match. We know how good Freiburg are.”
Jimmy ShanMay 19 – Wary of the threat Freiburg possess ahead of the final
“We can reach our goal to win a trophy for our fans, for us, for the work we did. It could be an amazing, amazing occasion.”
Lucas DigneMay 20 – As Villa stand on the brink of history in Istanbul
“Winning a European trophy would be unbelievable. I’ve won a few trophies in my career, but this would be the biggest one so far.”
Victor LindelöfMay 20 – Aiming to cap off his first season at Villa with the Europa League trophy
“I’m thankful. Thankful to the owners. Thankful to Aston Villa, every worker. Thankful to you. And thank you, especially, to the supporters.”
Unai EmeryMay 20 – After guiding Villa to a first trophy in over 30 years in Istanbul
“The pride I felt at 3-0 with 10 minutes to go, thinking we’re European champions, was something I can’t even describe.”
John McGinnMay 20 – After captaining Villa to a Europa League final success against Freiburg
“I feel amazing. My voice (is) a bit gone, but it’s all good. We put in a shift, top performance. We had a great season and to top it off with this, it’s amazing.”
Youri TielemansMay 20 – After netting in an emphatic 3-0 win over Freiburg in the Europa League final
“It’s something that will stay with you forever. Winning a medal and a cup, bringing it back to Villa Park, that parade.”
Matty CashMay 20 – On creating history with Aston Villa by winning the Europa League
“We pushed on, got Champions League football, and now this. So special, all these fans. Indescribable.”
Ollie WatkinsMay 20 – After a dream end to Aston Villa’s season in Istanbul
“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.”
Morgan RogersMay 20 – After Villa lifted only a second European trophy in the club’s history
“We will have this forever as a memory, as an experience, and I’m really pleased with what we created tonight because it will be in the history of the club.”
Emi BuendíaMay 20 – After his Player of the Match performance in the Europa League final
“If you guys saw my letter, it said ‘believe’. So, if you did do that, thank you. This is for you.”
Ezri KonsaMay 20 – Thanking the Villa faithful after lifting the Europa League trophy
“Wow, outstanding. I’ve got no words. I’m proud to defend the lads behind. I said to them before the kick-off: ‘I’ve got your back.’”
Emi MartínezMay 20 – After a clean sheet in the final to lift the Europa League trophy
“It’s fantastic the Europa League, it’s huge. Our heart is your heart. Your heart is our heart. Up The Villa!”
Unai EmeryMay 21 – Speaking at Villa’s trophy parade through Birmingham, after winning the Europa League
“First of all, thank you for all the support tonight, and thank you for all the support during the past seven or eight years.”
John McGinnMay 21 – Thanking the Villa faithful for their support at the open-top bus parade
“I’ve taken the blindfold off and I managed to score some goals when it was important, so thank you guys for sticking with me!”
Ollie WatkinsMay 21 – In a jovial mood at Villa’s open-top bus parade in Birmingham
“Last night was amazing, guys. We won a trophy for you guys! Up the Villa!”
Youri TielemansMay 21 – Celebrating Villa’s Europa League success at the open-top bus parade
“I just want to say, guys, thank you so much. What a fanbase, what a set of players, we are so grateful for all of you showing up today. I’m drunk, I’m sure some of you are drunk, I hope that continues long into the night!”
Tyrone MingsMay 21 – At Villa’s open-top bus parade through Birmingham
“I will try to be serious. I will try to get the best starting 11 players and be focused on respecting the competition, but it’s not easy. Sorry, but it’s not easy!”
Unai EmeryMay 22 – Speaking on team selection ahead of Villa’s final game of the season, after the Europa League final and subsequent celebrations
“Everyone’s happy, but we’ve still got one game left as well, so we have to finish the season strong and try to win the last game of the season as well. Looking forward to it.”
Lamare BogardeMay 22 – Looking ahead to Villa’s final game of the season at Manchester City, after qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Europa League
“The second half changed completely, the match. The second half, we were dominating, scoring goals, having chances, and we came back the result, and really fantastic to finish the season like we deserved.”
Unai EmeryMay 24 – After Villa came from behind at the Etihad Stadium to beat Man City 2-1 and end their season successfully
“I joined this club at the right moment, at the right time, and what I’ve experienced this year is absolutely unbelievable.”
Marco BizotMay 24 – After playing his part in a victorious final game of the season at Man City, to cap off an incredible first campaign in claret and blue
“Unbelievable week. I think it’s definitely one of the best weeks of my life, to be honest. I can’t say much more than that.”
Ollie WatkinsMay 24 – After his matchwinning brace at Man City took him to 21 goals for the season, capping off a week in which Villa qualified for the Champions League, won the Europa League and he was selected in England’s World Cup squad
“For us, we’re buzzing… The team are enjoying it, we’re having a great time and I think it’s really good for the chemistry of the team, being together and showcasing what we’re about.”
Rachel DalyMay 29 – After Aston Villa Women secured two wins in the first three games of their World Sevens campaign
“Let’s see what happens a bit later, but we did the job… We came here to compete, to try to make the journey the longest that we could.”
Natalia ArroyoMay 29 – After Aston Villa Women booked their spot in the semi-finals of the World Sevens, where they eventually bowed out to Chelsea
