Unai Emery excited about reaching Champions League quarter-finals

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says he is excited and motivated ahead of his side's Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain, admitting the clash will be a "special" experience for him personally.

The first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals will be played at the Parc des Princes in Paris on April 9, and the second leg will be played at Villa Park on April 15.

Emery coached Paris Saint-Germain from 2016 to 2018, leading the team to win the French Ligue 1 title and domestic cup trophies. Although he has been away from Paris for several years, this Champions League match will be his first return to this familiar city as an opponent.

Speaking about the upcoming match, Emery said: "To be able to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League is already a great thing, very exciting and very motivating. Facing Paris Saint-Germain will be a huge challenge."

"They showed their quality in the knockout rounds, especially against Liverpool, where they beat the strongest team in the Premier League and Europe at the moment. This was a huge test for the club, the fans, the players, the coaching staff and of course for me."

Emery stressed that this match against Paris is not only of great significance to himself, but also the most important European journey for Aston Villa in recent years.

"It's probably a little more special for me because I haven't been back since leaving Paris. This time, I'll be back at the Parc des Princes as an opponent. It will be an extraordinary game and I'm looking forward to it."

Villa has performed strongly under Emery this season, currently ranking in the top four of the Premier League and continuing to create surprises in the Champions League. Facing the French Ligue 1 champion Paris Saint-Germain, it is worth looking forward to whether this Premier League powerhouse can achieve another success.