Manzambi enjoys night to remember
Men
2 days ago
Johan Manzambi spoke of his happiness after marking his 21st birthday with his first UEFA Champions League appearance and goal - earning the Player of the Match award in the process.
The summer signing picked the perfect way to celebrate his milestone as he netted his maiden goal at Villa Park on his debut in Europe’s elite club competition against Fenerbahçe.
Manzambi opened the scoring after 12 minutes and treated B6 to his iconic celebration for the first time – kickstarting an impressive individual and team performance as Villa ran out 6-0 winners.
“I am very, very happy,” he said.
“My first Champions League game, first goal for my birthday – my family were here.
“It’s very nice and a great night for me.”
As well as Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and Ross Barkley each found the net twice while Tammy Abraham rounded off the scoring late on.
It is Villa’s biggest-ever win in major European competition and our largest victory under manager Unai Emery.
“That was very good,” added Manzambi.
“To score six goals and no goals conceded is nice for us and for the fans it’s amazing.”
The Switzerland international has settled in well since his arrival at the club in July.
Manzambi’s second goal in claret and blue extends our impressive sequence to three wins in four matches, and means Villa have now lost just one of our last seven in all competitions.
And Manzambi is loving life in B6.
“It’s an amazing team, amazing fans and I am very happy to play here,” he said.
“I hope I can give my best for the fans and for the club.”
