Aston Villa was guaranteed a Champions League spot last night following the defeat of 5th-placed Tottenham Hotspur to Manchester City.
Villa’s fourth-place finish is secured after establishing a five-point lead against Tottenham on the Premier League table.
Having sealed Champions League qualification for the first time in the club’s history, Emery and McGinn took to the stage to share in their joy.
“It’s a very special day today,” said boss Emery.
“It’s our dream, it was our dream when we started the season to be here.”
“To play in the Champions League is, after the Premier League, the best.
“You can play in the Premier League against the best teams in the world; it’s very difficult.
“When you are playing in the Champions League, you are playing against the best teams, at the same time, from other countries. And it’s amazing.
“And we are always responsible for the history here; we know the history of Aston Villa is so long and so successful.
“Even in the Champions League, before it was the European Cup, we knew the responsibility was to try to increase our level, to be demanding, and to dream.
“And now, to win the Champions League like Aston Villa did in 1982, if we are there and we are in, then it’s easier than if we are not.
“It’s another dream, and the most important thing is to have dreams and to work hard for them.
“Of course, I’m very, very, very happy and very proud of you (the supporters), the players, and everybody.
“I want to enjoy more, and, next year, now the new challenge starts for us. To build again a team, to be strong, and to always increase our level.
“This is our objective, and always it’s trying to enjoy with you, the supporters; you are the heart of the club.
“Up the Villa!”
Club captain McGinn said: “On behalf of all the players, it’s been an amazing season.
“Obviously, Tyrone and I were at the club in the Championship; us two, Jacob (Ramsey), and Kortney (Hause) were the only ones remaining.
“There are four of us here who were part of that Championship journey.
“We got promoted, we got into the Premier League, and we were seven points behind with four games to play; we managed to stay in the league.
“We kept building, and thankfully we’ve achieved something we haven’t done for 40 years.
“So, on behalf of all the players and staff, we’re over the moon; we’re delighted.”
