Prince William has shared a special message of support for Aston Villa.
As they prepare for their opening Champions League match, the official Instagram handle of the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a good luck message.
The match, which will be played in Switzerland against Young Boys, marks the club's return to Europe's top competition after 41 years of absence.
William expressed his delight, saying: “The last time Aston Villa won in Europe's premier competition was the month before I was born. Hopefully tonight will be the first step towards another European adventure.”
He also expressed his condolences following the recent passing of Gary Shaw, former Villa striker and one of the club's European Cup-winning heroes. “My thoughts tonight are also with the friends and family of Villa legend Gary Shaw following his passing yesterday.”
Shaw's death on September 16 has deeply affected the Aston Villa community. The club issued a statement mourning his loss: “Aston Villa Football Club is deeply shocked and deeply saddened to learn that Gary Shaw, one of our European Cup-winning heroes, has passed away. Gary was one of our own, a talented striker who delighted supporters with his goalscoring exploits that helped propel Villa to success in the 1980s.”
“Individual praise will also be forthcoming for a player who was idolised by many in the stands. He passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his family, who have asked Aston Villa to issue a statement on his behalf. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary's family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time,” it read.
