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Prince William made the surprise decision to see Aston Villa’s players in the dressing room after taking in their latest Europa Conference League game on Thursday. The Prince of Wales made the trip to Villa Park and was spotted in attendance by TV cameras as he enjoyed their last-gasp 1-0 victory over Bosnian minnows Zrinjski Mostar, but his post-match visit caused a delay for head coach Unai Emery.<\/p>\n
The royal is often seen at Villa Park and Thursday night was no exception as Emery’s side were heavily fancied to beat their opponents. However, it took a 95th-minute from John McGinn to secure all three points, just when the hosts were set to end the night with another frustrating result.<\/p>\n
Prince William was sat in the directors’ box and looked to be enjoying the match when the TV cameras panned to him. He was sat alongside injured defender Tyrone Mings, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained in August, and was seen in high spirits throughout.<\/p>\n
According to BBC Sport, William was spotted entering the Villa dressing room to speak to the players after the game, having been granted permission from Villa boss Emery.<\/p>\n
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William’s visit to see the players also reportedly set back Emery in his post-match media duties, delaying the Spaniard from speaking to the competition’s UK broadcaster, TNT Sports.<\/p>\n
But it seems that Emery didn’t mind the interruption, though, as he shed light on what William had told the Villa squad after the game in his latest meeting with the Prince.<\/p>\n
“[It’s the] third time I met him. He is welcome as he is supporting us, feeling emotion with us,” Emery told reporters in his post-match press conference.<\/p>\n
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“He met with the players and me and we were speaking about Aston Villa and his wishes for us to do something this year.”<\/p>\n
It is certainly not the first time William has felt compelled to use his words of wisdom to inspire the players.<\/p>\n
Prior to the 2020 Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, it was later revealed the 41-year-old had given a pep talk to Villa’s players to motivate them.<\/p>\n
However, it proved to be all in vain as City went on to record a comfortable victory at Wembley.<\/p>\n