John McGinn reveals what Tyrone Mings told him after Steven Gerrard’s captain decision.

John McGinn acknowledges that his career’s high point has been picturing himself winning a trophy with Aston Villa this year. Villa is favored to win the Europa Conference League this season after making it to the round of 16 last month. They are also playing three games away from Wembley in the FA Cup.

After defeating Middlesbrough earlier this month—the team’s first victory in the domestic league since 2016—Emery’s team will take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for the fourth round in two weeks.

McGinn has been a constant under Unai Emery this year and has been crucial to the team’s improvement under the Spaniard. At the, he was dubbed skipper.

“It was a conversation that I thought was going to be difficult, but Tyrone was Tyrone,” McGinn told the BBC. “He was first class, and he couldn’t have been nicer about it. He said that he’d be proud to play under me as captain. It’s amazing to have that response and that support from him, but it wasn’t a surprise from him.

It gives me a great sense of pride, yet it comes with a great deal of responsibility. I’ve experienced both great and extremely difficult times. It’s my role to inform the boys of the expectations of the location and maintain good standards throughout, which is not an easy task, but I appreciate the responsibility and feel like I’m improving constantly.

Because I speak a little too quickly and there is a language issue with the South American lads, Big Emi Martinez assists me. Some of the boys, I believe, do [get him]. Leon claimed that it took him 14 months as a player at Villa before he could comprehend me! That was pleasant. I lived next door to him.

“I consider Lucas Digne to be the leader of the French; he’s that good. Then there’s Tyrone, Ezri, who also assists, and Douglas. Thus, half the group.”

After taking the team back into Europe, the Scot extended his contract for another four years in June 2027, and he now has his sights set on winning trophies this season. Yes, I would be dishonest if I claimed not to have imagined.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk