'I love it' - Aston Villa deadline day signing reveals exactly why he joined and makes Champions League pledge
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Aston Villa are back in action this weekend with an FA Cup home tie against fellow top flight outfit Tottenham Hotspur. They will be looking to progress into the fifth round of the competition.
The likes of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford are in line to make their debuts for Unai Emery’s side against Spurs. It remains to be seen whether they will be handed a start or will be on the bench to begin with.
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Hide AdAston Villa lost 2-0 away at rivals Wolves last time out. Therefore, they will be eager to return to winning ways on Sunday.
Aston Villa new boy Marco Asensio opens up about move
Aston Villa new boy Asensio has revealed the chance to play under Emery and Champions League football was the reason why he decided to join them. He has linked up with the Premier League side on loan until the end of the season.
He has said: “I’m really happy to join Aston 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.
“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.”
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Hide Ad“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."
Aston Villa prepare for upcoming Premier League and Champions League clashes
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.”
The Spain international, 29, is from Palma and started his career with local team Real Mallorca. He broke into their first-team as a youngster and caught the eye before moving over to the mainland when Real Madrid came calling.
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Hide AdAsensio went on to play 286 matches for the La Liga giants in all competitions and scored 61 goals. He won the league title three times and the Champions League on three occasions as well. PSG snapped him up in 2023 and he has since found the net on seven occasions in 47 outings, two of which have come this term.
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