More than 20,000 Aston Villa supporters gathered in Birmingham’s Centenary Square to welcome the team home after a Europa League triumph. The celebrations followed a 3-0 victory over Freiburg in Istanbul less than 24 hours earlier. Fans lined streets for the bus parade, arriving hours ahead to secure viewing spots. Claret and blue flares filled the city centre as flags were flown and confetti fell after the trophy was lifted. Unai Emery told the crowd the team was delighted to share the trophy and praised the fans’ pride. Tyrone Mings said the squad had “one hell of a party” and thanked supporters for showing up. Prince William was also seen enjoying the moment after watching the match in Turkey.
"More than 20,000 supporters were estimated to have been in Centenary Square to see the players lift the trophy the club's first in 30 years - and the celebrations came less than 24 hours after a 3-0 victory against Freiburg in Istanbul. Hundreds more lined the streets, with some arriving hours in advance to pick the best spots to see the team's bus parade through the city. It was an emotional occasion for fans gathered in the city centre, where claret and blue smoke billowed from flares as flags were flown."
"Roars filled the air at the end of the parade route when the trophy was held aloft before confetti rained down on supporters. Addressing the crowd shortly afterwards, manager Unai Emery said the team were "delighted" to share the trophy with them. "And of course we are so, so proud of you," Emery added. "This moment is really fantastic, our heart is your heart, your heart is our heart.""
"Defender Tyrone Mings also spoke from the top deck, revealing to those watching that he and his teammates had "one hell of a party" after the match ended. "We celebrated very hard," he said. "I'm sure you guys have too I just want to say thank you so much. What a fan base, what a set of players. We are so grateful for all of you showing up today.""
"Even royalty was caught up in the excitement of Villa's win. Prince William, who was seen punching the air at the match in Turkey, could only laugh when a reporter asked him during a visit to Cornwall on Thursday whether he had enjoyed the football. The answer had been obvious the night before. The parade began in the city's Jewellery Quarter shortly before 17:00 BST, winding its way via Broad Street to Centenary Square."
Read at www.bbc.com
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