Forward makes Unai Emery admission after completing Aston Villa switch
New boy Marco Asensio pointed to the chance to work with Unai Emery as a major factor in his decision to join Villa.
The 29-year-old Spain international has joined from Paris St-Germain for the rest of the season and claimed he will achieve a career objective playing in the Premier League.
Asensio already has no shortage of pedigree and silverware, having won the Champions League three times while at Real Madrid.
But having struggled for regular game-time this season in Paris, he is eager to make the most of his opportunity with Villa.
“I’m looking forward to being able to contribute to this club, to add to this team with eagerness and with lots of excitement,” he said.
“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.”
Asensio, who scored in Madrid’s 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus in 2017, joins a Villa attack which has been bolstered by the additions of Donyell Malen and Marcus Rashford.
Villa are through to the last-16 of this season’s competition, while they are also still in the race to secure Champions League football again next season through the Premier League.
Asensio 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.”
