England's Prince William travelled to Istanbul for the Europa League final and saw Aston Villa's 3:0 win over Freiburg up close. Visibly tense and clenched at the start, he turned euphoric after Youri Tielemans's goal in the 41st minute. It was the club's first European trophy in 44 years and the first Europa League title in his lifetime - he was born in 1982, the same year Villa last lifted a European trophy.

William chose the club deliberately at 17, unlike other young English fans who go for Manchester United or Chelsea. He wanted, as he explains, "a mid-table side that offered moments of great emotional intensity, not a whole season of safe wins". The club, founded in 1874, represents authentic English football - the kind that existed before the marketing and the stadiums as theme parks.

After the match the prince greeted the players and Spanish manager Unai Emery, and wrote on social media: "What a night! Huge congratulations to all the players, staff and everyone connected with the club." He was seen filming on a phone, cheering, laughing and celebrating in the box alongside other fans - no ceremony, no obligation, just a regular spectator with a particular seat.

For a Balkan audience, which mostly follows the Premier League when it comes to English football, this is a reminder that even those with the highest titles can support a mid-table side with passion. Unai Emery won his fifth Europa League title - a record nobody is likely to reach again.