Declan Rice sends message to Morgan Rogers as Aston Villa hero lifts Europa League

Declan Rice has messaged Morgan Rogers after he scored as Aston Villa beat SC Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

The Villans took the lead just before the break when Youri Tielemans met Rogers’ cross with a wonderful volley into the bottom corner.

Just minutes later, Emi Buendia would score a stunner of his own, picking up the ball and curling in from range to put Villa into a commanding lead.

The Bundesliga club never really looked like getting back into the game at that point, and Rogers slid in to make it 3-0 after the break.

Villa’s victory in Istanbul has marked their first major trophy in 30 years, and their first European trophy in 44 years.

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Football Insider exclusively revealed in April that Bayern Munich are targeting Rogers this summer, and they will be joined by several other clubs across Europe.

But Villa have plenty of leverage for the 23-year-old, who is under contract until 2031, and they do not need to sell him after qualifying for the Champions League.

The England international has enjoyed another superb season, and he was a star man for Emery’s team yet again on Wednesday.

Rogers’ pass for the opener was sublime, perfectly floated into the path of Tielemans, who still had it all to do.

The former Middlesbrough man was a constant threat throughout, and eventually got his goal when he got to Buendia’s cross before the defender to poke past Noah Atubolu.

He posted several pictures from the night on Instagram, accompanying them with a caption that read: “History!!! We did it!!”

Arsenal midfielder Rice, who celebrated his own trophy on Tuesday night as the Gunners were crowned Premier League champions, commented with an emoji that read “top”.

Jacob Ramsey moved to Newcastle United last summer in a deal worth around £43million, marking the first time in his career that he has not been on the books at Villa.

The midfielder would have been frustrated by his timing, now, although it is widely accepted that the move was forced by the profit and sustainability issues at Villa Park.

Aston Villa can confirm that Jacob Ramsey has left the club to join Newcastle United. Everyone at the club would like thank Jacob for his service and wish him all the best for his future career. Good luck, JJ 💜 pic.twitter.com/zaZi0WWhJa

Ramsey commented on Rogers’ post with hearts, joining the celebrations of a historic night for the Villans.

Despite leaving, the 24-year-old played his part in Emery’s project and is remembered fondly.

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