Source:REUTERS/Hannah McKay
[Saba Sports News] Recently, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery recorded a video bidding farewell to Barcelona legend and Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba. Alba is set to retire at the end of this season, and Emery previously worked with him at Valencia. Speaking about this, Emery said: “Jordi, congratulations on your glorious football career. Beyond that, I admire you even more as a person. We shared some time together; witnessing your growth as a professional player was wonderful, but on a personal level, that bond is even more precious.” Emery was the mentor who transformed Alba from a winger into a left-back. Alba himself once stated in an interview that this transformation was a turning point in his career: “From not playing at Valencia to being called up to the Spanish national team three months later, perhaps the most crucial figure was Emery.” Recalling this with pride and humor in his farewell video, Emery said: “From now on, I wish you all the best in whatever you do. A big hug from your former coach Emery, the one who insisted on turning you into a left-back, even though you were reluctant at the time.”a