Ezri Konsa has revealed that being labelled a “Rolls-Royce” by the Prince of Wales represents the pinnacle of his career, a royal endorsement that Aston Villa hope will carry them to glory in Wednesday’s Europa League final against Freiburg in Istanbul.
The England defender was speaking before Villa’s most significant European occasion in over four decades, as they chase a first trophy since the 1996 League Cup. Prince William, arguably the club’s most famous fan and an FA patron, is expected to be in the stands at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, continuing a season of conspicuous support.
Konsa described the surreal experience of royal visits to the Villa Park dressing room. “You get caught up in the moment and after you go home and think: ‘Flipping hell, I just shook his hand, he knows my name and everything,’” he said, highlighting how William’s presence has been embraced by players from diverse international backgrounds.
The heir to the throne has made no secret of his claret and blue allegiance, and last year admitted to posting anonymously on Villa fan forums. For Konsa, no praise compares to the Prince’s verdict. “He called me a Rolls-Royce once, so I’ll take that. That got stuck in my head,” the defender relayed, underlining the motivational weight such words carry.
William’s involvement runs deeper than mere fandom. As FA patron he will attend the World Cup in the United States this summer, but his presence at Villa’s semi-final second-leg rout of Nottingham Forest – a 4-0 victory that sealed a first major European final since 1982 – sent a clear message about where his heart lies this week.
The royal connection adds an extra layer of narrative to a match already freighted with history. Villa, European Cup winners in 1982, have endured a 42-year wait to return to this stage, and their journey under Unai Emery has revitalised a sleeping giant. The Europa League final offers not only a trophy but a gateway to the Champions League, transforming the club’s trajectory.
For Konsa, the “Rolls-Royce” tag – a term often reserved for defenders who combine elegance and reliability – feels apt. The 28-year-old has become a linchpin for club and country, and his calm authority on the ball mirrors the luxury vehicle’s smooth performance. In a high-stakes final, such composure could prove decisive.
Freiburg, the Bundesliga outfit, represent a dangerous but familiar opponent. The German side’s disciplined approach will test Villa’s attacking flair, but the psychological boost of royal backing – and the knowledge that a prince believes in a player’s world-class quality – cannot be discounted. Konsa and his teammates will hope to reward William’s faith with silverware.
Konsa’s interview also shed light on the quiet moments of recognition. William’s habit of personally greeting every player before games has left a mark. “He’s a Villa fan, I’m sure he’d know every player’s name,” Konsa noted. Such gestures forge a bond between the monarchy and a modern, multicultural squad that might otherwise seem worlds apart.
As the countdown to Wednesday’s showdown intensifies, Villa’s supporters are daring to dream. The prospect of seeing their team lift a European trophy under the gaze of royalty evokes the club’s proud heritage. For Konsa, a man once described as a Rolls-Royce by the future king, the night could etch his name into Villa folklore.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.
