"What I wish for and desire most" – Unai Emery focus not solely on Aston Villa

Emery visited Valencia this week and reiterated his dream of seeing the club return to former glory, though his focus remains on establishing Aston Villa among the Premier League elite.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was in Valencia this week to watch their basketball team compete, but the visit highlighted his enduring connection to the football club he managed from 2008 to 2012. During that period, Emery established Valencia as La Liga's third-best side, finishing behind only Barcelona and Real Madrid in three consecutive seasons despite severe financial constraints.

Since his departure, Valencia have experienced a dramatic decline. They won the Copa del Rey in 2019 but have not finished in the top three of La Liga since Emery left and have largely been stuck in mid-table or fighting relegation. The club has cycled through more than 15 managers and has not qualified for European competition since 2019/20. At present, they sit 19th in La Liga, two points from the relegation zone.

Emery told À Punt radio that he keeps close tabs on Valencia's developments and visits Mestalla whenever possible. He expressed hope that the club's new stadium will mark a turning point. "It's what I wish for most and what I desire the most," he said of Valencia's return to prominence. However, his immediate priority remains establishing Aston Villa among the Premier League's elite.