In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Aston Villa’s Brazilian midfielder, Douglas Luiz, has expressed his contentment at the club, despite being a reported transfer target for Liverpool and Arsenal. Luiz, who has been instrumental in Villa’s stellar season, shared insights into his flourishing relationship with manager Unai Emery.
The 25-year-old highlighted a standout moment in a recent win against Tottenham, where his free-kick set up Pau Torres’ crucial equalizer. Luiz credited Emery for encouraging the audacious play, emphasizing the manager’s role in his impressive performances throughout the season.
Despite rumors linking him to Liverpool and Arsenal in the upcoming transfer window, Luiz remains focused on Aston Villa. He acknowledged the flattering interest but stated, “My head is here at Aston Villa. I am very happy to hear the stories, but my focus is totally here.”
Luiz’s affection for Aston Villa, where he has spent five seasons since joining from Manchester City in 2019, was evident. He emphasized the positive progress under Emery’s management, with Villa emerging as Champions League contenders.
The midfielder praised Emery, labeling him an “incredible manager” who transformed the club’s fortunes. Luiz believes he is currently in the best moment of his career, crediting Emery’s demanding coaching style for his evolution.
Discussing Emery’s attention to detail and rigorous training sessions, Luiz revealed a recent argument with the manager, saying, “He pushes me a lot, but I like that. He is always there to talk with me. Whenever I need something, I just ask him, and we talk.”
Luiz’s remarkable growth under Emery is evident statistically, with 10 goals and seven assists in 40 Premier League games, showcasing his versatility in both offensive and defensive roles.
While reflecting on his time at Girona during a loan spell, Luiz acknowledged the difficulties but credited the experience for his personal growth. With Aston Villa facing Manchester City in an upcoming match, Luiz sees it as a reminder of how far he has come in his career.
In conclusion, Luiz expressed his commitment to Aston Villa, stating, “I have been here for five years, so I have a big responsibility in our team now. I am one of our captains, and that drives me a lot. I know the player I am, and I know the player I can become.”
As the transfer window approaches, Liverpool and Arsenal will be closely monitoring Luiz’s situation, but the midfielder’s focus remains firmly on contributing to Aston Villa’s success under Unai Emery.
