Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has dismissed speculation linking him with other managerial roles, reaffirming his commitment to the club. His comments come amid rumors suggesting Real Madrid had shown interest in him.
José Mourinho is expected to return to the Bernabéu after Florentino Pérez secured 65% of the vote in Real Madrid’s presidential election, extending his leadership until 2030. Reports indicated that Emery was on Pérez’s radar as a potential head coach following a disappointing season for Madrid, who finished trophy-less and second in La Liga, eight points behind Barcelona.
Emery, however, recently guided Villa to a 3-0 victory over Freiburg in Istanbul to claim his fifth Europa League title, while his side secured a fourth-place finish in the Premier League—the second time they’ve achieved that in three seasons.
With his reputation at an all-time high, Emery was asked by Eidesmarque if there was any chance he could leave Villa for Madrid this summer. He replied, “Zero,” adding, “I’m only thinking about where I’m wanted, and I’m wanted at Aston Villa. I’ve already said it in the team talk: the first thing you have to do is feel grateful where you’re wanted and, above all, do a lot to make sure you’re wanted where you are—which is where you’re known.”
Emery signed a new five-year contract with Villa in May 2024, keeping him at the club until 2029. Next season will mark his fourth full campaign in charge, having taken over during the 2022/23 season and transformed a relegation-threatened side into a European qualifier on the final day.
