The reason why Prince William supports Aston Villa revealed as they win Europa League

He doesn't support any of the 'Big Six' for a reason

More than 40 years after their Champions League win against Bayern Munich, Villa returned to European success with the 3-0 win in Istanbul.

Much like in the semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, the team had a special fan present in the stands during the final cheering on the team, as they secured European glory.

Prince William, who celebrated the team's win in the Europa League final, has been a dedicated supporter of the club since his school days.

But there are a few reasons why the future king is a Villa fan, which not many may have been aware of.

The reasons why Prince William supports Villa

It’s a rather simple reason, and it has to do with avoiding the mainstream.

Prince William did not want to follow the traditional heavyweights of football, and he felt that following the typical crowd was too easy, lacking the emotional investment.

Instead, he wanted a middle-of-the-table team that could provide a genuine “emotional rollercoaster”, which would include thrilling highs and agonising lows.

As a result, Villa was the perfect fit for the future king and the strong desire for sporting unpredictability is what made him choose them over any other team.

Next, what appealed to Prince William’s values was the rich heritage of the club.

The royal was drawn to their history and their prestigious status as a founding member of the Football League.

When Prince William’s bond with Villa started

It was in 1999 when Prince William attended his very first Villa match, which was against Bolton Wanderers in an FA Cup semi-final.

His bond with the team was cemented in that game, thanks to the electric atmosphere which left a lasting impression that instantly hooked him on the club.

In the years since, the royal member has built a strong personal connection with passionate Villa fanbase as much as with the players.

Prince William often praises the unwavering loyalty of the Villa fans and the strong sense of community which the club is surrounded with.

The future king isn’t the only Villa fan from the Royal family, however, as in the stands, Prince George has regularly been spotted alongside his father.

The last time Villa won a European trophy prior to the night in Istanbul was back in 1982 with the European Super Cup, and their last major overall success was the League Cup in 1996.

By lifting the Europa League trophy against Freiburg, Prince William witnessed his first trophy as a Villa fan, ever since he started supporting the team.