“Thank you for the love” – Aston Villa player living the dream, won’t criticise Emery decision

Jhon Durán came off the bench to score Aston Villa’s winner against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

The striker has starred for Aston Villa this season, scoring six goals from nine games so far. His goal also saw the German club suffer their first group stage defeat in the Europe’s elite club competition since 2017.

After the Champions League tie, ESPN had a chat with Aston Villa player. They pointed out to him that it was a great goal against one of his dream teams.

Responding to that, he said: “Happy to score again and even more so against a great team, one of my dream teams and happy to be the man of the match.

“They are a great team from Europe, important, they are one of the best teams in the world, happy to play this game against them”

The 20-year-old has mainly been a substitute since he arrived at Villa Park from MLS side Chicago Fire FC in January 2023. He’s scored regularly for the Villans this season but is yet to cement a place in Unai Emery’s starting XI.

Given the opportunity, he didn’t want to send any snipes about Emery keeping him out of the starting line-up, instead insisting focusing whilst being substitute is key.

“This [winning mentality] is part of the job, being focused, waiting for the opportunity and seizing the moment,” Durán explained.

Pau Torres assisted the Colombia international’s goal against the Bundesliga side at Villa Park.

On Torres assist, he added: “I know Pau Torres well, he has the quality of always putting the pass there and then I was at the right moment and his pass is always incredible”

The South American had received interest from numerous clubs, including Chelsea and West Ham United, in the summer window. He made an ‘irons’ gesture on social media, which didn’t please the Aston Villa supporters.

Durán’s relationship with the Villans fans has improved now and he’s thanked them for their support.

“Thank you for the love you have shown me since I arrived, we have had a couple of disagreements, but I think that now we are on a good relationship, and I am happy that you give me that love that the fans give me,” he stressed.