Villa coach Emery recently recorded a video to say goodbye to Barcelona star and Inter Miami full-back Alba.
Alba will retire at the end of this season. Emery worked with him in Valencia. Emery said: "Alba, congratulations on your brilliant football career. In addition, I admire you more as a person. We have been together. It’s wonderful to witness your growth as a professional player, but from a personal level, this friendship is even more precious.”
Emery was the mentor who transformed Alba from a winger to a full-back. The player himself said in an interview with "Daily Sports." In an exclusive interview with the Daily News, he said that this transformation was a turning point in his career: "From being unable to play in Valencia to being selected for the Spanish national team three months later, perhaps the most critical person is Emery."
Emery in his farewell video Recalling with pride and humor: "From now on, no matter what career you pursue, I wish you all the best. Your former coach Emery gave you a big hug, the one who forced you to become a left-back, even though you were reluctant at the time."