UNAI EMERY has revealed he received a royal seal of approval ahead of today’s game against Bournemouth.

The Aston Villa boss was honoured when their most famous fan, Prince William, dropped by their Bodymoor Heath training ground this week.

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He spent time with Emery, his squad, and club CEO Christian Purslow before meeting Villa Women’s boss Carla Ward.

Emery said: “It was very good of him to visit us and I appreciated it a lot.

“His support for Villa is clear and we spoke about football in general, about Villa, and about my career as a player and as a coach.

“We had a good time and are all very proud to have him as a supporter.”

When Emery replaced Steven Gerrard in late October, Villa were below Bournemouth in the table.

They are now 11th and 11 points ahead of third-bottom Cherries after taking three points from a possible 39 under the Spaniard.

Emery said: “Yes, of course the Prince likes what we are doing! And he was very kind towards me.”

But Villa’s boss feels their striker Ollie Watkins was unlucky not to get an England call-up this week after bagging six goals in his last seven games.

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He added: “He deserved it but it is very difficult to be in that squad.

“He is disappointed but he is much closer than he was before.”