Prince William sends Aston Villa Champions League tribute with Unai Emery message

The Prince of Wales has thanked Aston Villa boss Unai Emery for guiding the club to the UEFA Champions League after Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Monday.

Erling Haaland scored twice in the second half to end Spurs' hopes of a top four finish meaning it's now mathematically impossible for the north Londoners to catch Villa.

Unai Emery's are now five points clear in the top four place meaning they will head to Crystal Palace on the final day of the season with nothing to play for.

READ MORE: How Aston Villa players wildly celebrated Champions League qualification after Tottenham defeat

READ MORE: Aston Villa secure Champions League qualification after Man City beat Tottenham

Villa will compete in Europe's prestigious competition for the first time in their history. The club hasn't reached UEFA's premier club competition since it rebranded from the European Cup in 1991/92. Their last appearance in that competition came 41 years ago in 1982/83 having lifted the trophy the year before.

Emery and the players celebrated the historical landmark together at the end of season awards night at Villa Park. And Prince William has sent his own congratulation on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Quoting Villa's tweet of the Champions League graphic, he wrote: "We are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement.

"Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at Aston Villa. Can't wait for next season. #UTV."