Ezri Konsa has sent an emotional message to Aston Villa supporters before walking into Villa Park wearing Arsenal colours for the first time, admitting that he still has huge respect and love for his former club despite leaving in a £55 million transfer.
The England defender is preparing to make his Arsenal debut against Aston Villa, the club where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders. The timing of the fixture has made the occasion even more dramatic, with Konsa immediately facing the team and supporters who played a major role in his career development.
However, before stepping onto the pitch as an Arsenal player, Konsa made a revelation that many Aston Villa fans did not expect to hear.
Asked how he feels about facing his former club so soon after completing his move to North London, Konsa admitted that there will be emotions because of the memories he created at Villa Park, but insisted that football moves quickly and his focus must now be on Arsenal.
The defender revealed that while he misses Aston Villa and especially the supporters who stood by him throughout his journey, he understands that his career has entered a new chapter.
“I miss Aston Villa, especially the fans, because they gave me so much love and support during my time there. They believed in me and helped me become the player I am today. But what is done is done. Tonight I belong to Arsenal, this is my debut game for this club, and it feels so good to play against my former teammates and the club that helped me grow, and I look forward to achieving things I couldn’t achieve with Aston Villa” Konsa said.
Konsa’s relationship with Aston Villa has always been built on gratitude. The defender arrived at Villa Park in 2019 from Brentford after the club showed belief in his potential when he needed an opportunity to prove himself.
At that stage of his career, Konsa felt that Brentford did not fully believe in his ability, which influenced his decision to move on and join Aston Villa. The Midlands club provided him with the platform to showcase his talent and compete at the highest level.
His performances quickly made him a fan favourite, with supporters appreciating his consistency, professionalism, and commitment every time he wore the famous claret and blue shirt.
But behind the scenes, Konsa’s final period at Aston Villa was complicated. The defender admitted that his decision to leave was influenced by the feeling that his relationship with the manager was becoming difficult following an incident that he believes Aston Villa supporters are already aware of.
Despite that situation, Konsa was keen to make one thing clear — his love and respect for Aston Villa has never disappeared.
“I love Aston Villa because they believed in me before any other club did. I left Brentford in 2019 because I felt they didn’t believe in me the way I needed at that time. Aston Villa did believe in me, and they gave me the platform to represent this club, showcase myself, and become the player I am today. I also felt that my relationship with the coach was becoming difficult after the incident everyone knows about, and that played a part in my decision. But that will never change how much I love the club and the fans,” he explained.
The £55 million move to Arsenal represents a major milestone in Konsa’s career. After years of development and consistent performances in the Premier League, the defender has earned the opportunity to compete for trophies at one of England’s biggest clubs.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta identified Konsa as a player who could bring defensive stability, experience, and leadership to his squad. The move also showed the defender’s growth from a promising young talent into a highly valued Premier League star.
However, Konsa knows that emotions must be put aside once the referee blows the whistle. Despite his connection with Aston Villa, his responsibility tonight is to help Arsenal secure victory.
The defender was also asked how he would feel if Arsenal won the match and he managed to score against his former club. While acknowledging the respect he has for Villa, Konsa admitted he would celebrate the opportunity to find the back of the net.
“If I get the chance to score against Aston Villa, I would gladly do it. I have love and respect for this club, but I am an Arsenal player now. I want to help my new team win, and if scoring is part of that, I will take that opportunity,” Konsa stated.
For Aston Villa supporters, seeing Konsa line up against them will be a strange experience. He arrived as a young defender looking for a chance and left as one of the club’s most recognised players.
His journey from Brentford to Aston Villa and eventually Arsenal highlights the importance of belief and opportunity in football. Villa gave him the stage, and Konsa rewarded that faith with years of committed performances.
As he prepares to walk into Villa Park on the opposite side for the first time, Konsa’s message is clear — the memories will remain, the gratitude will remain, but his mission now is with Arsenal.
“Aston Villa will always be special to me because they changed my career. I will always appreciate what they gave me, but tonight I have a different badge on my chest and I have to give everything for Arsenal,” Konsa concluded.
The stage is now set for an emotional reunion, with Ezri Konsa facing the club that helped him become the player he is today.
