Johan Manzambi has revealed that Champions League football and the opportunity to work under Unai Emery were the key reasons he chose to join Aston Villa instead of Newcastle United. The 20-year-old Swiss World Cup star moved to Villa Park from Freiburg on Friday, despite Newcastle having agreed a fee with Freiburg and personal terms with the player.
Manzambi's Decision
“I have a big message: I’m very excited to be here and we know that together we can do big things,” Manzambi told Villa's official website. “I’m very excited to play in Villa Park. I am very, very happy and I am excited to play with this club. It’s a very big club in England, and they’re playing in the Champions League. I’ve already played against Aston Villa, and for me, it was the perfect plan. I hope I can play the same as in the World Cup and with Freiburg. I’m sure that with the team, the coach and the staff that I can do the same.”
He added: “I’m very excited. I could see on the pitch that he was a very good trainer. I’m very excited to be here and to be training with Unai Emery and the team. I’m very excited to be here with my new team-mates. It’s a great place here. I feel we can do big things, and we will see. With this staff and this team, I think we can do big things.”
Newcastle's European Problem
Newcastle's lack of European football has proven to be a stumbling block this summer, with Manzambi not the only player to have chosen elsewhere despite Magpies interest. The club had also agreed a deal to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna, only for Liverpool to hijack the move at the eleventh hour. Newcastle always feared their chase of Manzambi would end in similar fashion.
Newcastle are working on signing a number of other targets, but there are fears that the European issue could rear its head again. Lucas Bergvall has emerged as a midfield alternative, amid talk of a £46m move, but there is set to be major competition for the 20-year-old's signature.
