Aston Villa boss Emery on Champions League qualification: Very special day

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is delighted seeing the club secure Champions League qualification.

Defeat for Tottenham to Manchester City last night secured Villa a top four finish.

Emery said: It's a very special day. It's our dream. We were thinking at the start of the season it was our first objective and the most difficult because there were seven teams more contenders than us to be there. We focused on the Premier League strongly.

It is the worst players when you have players behind you injured but they were always in our mind.

Always the team were focused strongly and committed to the objective we had. Today we got it. It is fantastic really."

He also said: To play Champions League, after Premier League, is the best. You can play in England and in the Premier League against the best teams in the world.

In the Champions League you are playing against the best teams in other countries.

We are respectful of the history here and we know the history here of Aston Villa is so long and successful.

We knew our responsibility was to increase the levels, to be demanding and to dream.

Of course, to win the Champions League like Aston Villa did in 1982 - if we are in it, it is more realistic than if we are not!

It is another dream and the most important thing is to have dreams. Of course, I am very happy. Very proud of the fans, very proud of the players and everybody. Next year, the new challenges start for us."