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Aston Villa boss Emery thrilled to celebrate Champions League qualification with fans

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery delivered an impassioned speech to the club's supporters this week.

The Spaniard has led the former European Cup winners to their first ever Champions League qualification.

Villa will be in the group stages of Europe's elite club competition, having won the European Cup back in the 1980s.

“It's a very special day today," said Emery.

“It's our dream, it was our dream when we started the season to be here."

"To play Champions League is, after the Premier League, the best. You can play in the Premier League against the best teams in the world, it's very difficult. When you are playing in the Champions League you are playing against the best teams, at the same time, from other countries. And it's amazing.

“And we are always responsible about the history here, we know the history of Aston Villa is so long and so successful. Even in the Champions League, before it was the European Cup, we knew the responsibility was to try to increase our level, try to be demanding and to dream.

“And now to win the Champions League like Aston Villa did in 1982, if we are there and we are in, then it's more easy than if we are not. It's another dream and the most important is to have dreams and try to work hard for it.

“Of course, I'm very, very, very happy and very proud of you (the supporters), the players and everybody. I want to enjoy more and, next year, now the new challenge starts for us. To build again a team, being strong and being strong to go and always increase our level.

“This is our objective and always it's trying to enjoy with you, the supporters; you are the heart of the club. Up the Villa!"

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Ansser Sadiq

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