Villarreal claimed their first ever European trophy under ex-Arsenal manager Unai Emery against Manchester United last night.
After 29 minutes, Villarreal had taken the lead due to Gerard Moreno’s effort. However, before the hour mark, Edinson Cavani had equalised, levelling the playing field for both teams.
Following an intense remainder of the game, as well as extra-time, the game was decided on penalties where David de Gea ’s missed spot-kick handed the LaLiga club their first ever European trophy.
Emery has now become the record holder for most Europa League titles won and this was definitely not taken lightly by his former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, who specifically came out and hailed his ex-manager on social media.
The French International celebrated Emery's achievements by tweeting, "What a journey!
"This Football… so smart and elegant! You made the dream of an entire city, of a club, a team, and of all the fans come true! You did it !
"You know how to win trophies! Hats off Monsieur Emery. You are so unique."
The 22-year-old featured regularly under Emery during his 18-month reign at Arsenal.
However, he fell down the pecking order with new manager Mikel Arteta after the pair clashed over his attitude.
Guendouzi was one of Emery's first signings at Arsenal and went from playing in Ligue 2 to being called up to the national team under his guidance.
Back when the pair were still at Arsenal, the midfielder praised the impact Emery had on both his life and career.
"We communicate a lot in training, in games on what I can bring on the pitch or in my personal life," he said back in 2019. "He’s someone who’s taught me a lot on and off the pitch.
"I know he trusts me a lot because I’ve started all the games in the Premier League since the start of the season.
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"It’s then up to me to stay myself, play well and repay that trust. He’s the one who gave me the opportunity at the highest level. I already played a lot last year.
"He gives me a lot of confidence and he’s the one who makes me feel good on the pitch.
"There’s also my teammates, who are a big part of that, but he’s really, really made me progress since I arrived at Arsenal."
Whilst Emery has thrived away from the Emirates, Guendouzi has spent this season on loan at Hertha BSC, having mixed fortunes as the club finished 14th in the Bundesliga.
After picking up an injury late in the campaign, he is set to return to Arsenal this summer but appears surplus to requirements under Arteta as he tries to find his next move.
He was linked with a reunion with Emery last summer and such a move could certainly appeal based on his praise of the former Gunners manager.
