Prince William was praised for his ‘impressive ball knowledge’ after giving a surprising and captivating interview before a Champions League game.
The Aston Villa fan travelled to Paris to watch the Premier League club take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Prince William even made an appearance on TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage, being interviewed by former Scotland striker Ally McCoist and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.
The Prince of Wales is often spotted at Villa Park but fans were nevertheless surprised by his football knowledge.
‘I’m pretty terrified,’ the 42-year-old admitted as his beloved Aston Villa prepared to take on a PSG side who knocked out Premier League champions-elect Liverpool.
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‘It’s a big game and it’s been a long time coming for Villa. I’m nervous but excited. I’m wearing all my lucky clothes so hopefully it helps!’
Asked for his opinion on French champions PSG, the future King said: ‘We all saw the Liverpool game and PSG’s intensity, they were unavailable in both legs.
‘They pressed really high so for [Aston Villa boss] Unai Emery and the team it’s about managing that high press.
‘Unai likes it when teams come onto him but obviously there’s a limit and a question of can we get around the press and beat it. It’s going to be a challenging night. I’m expecting a big atmosphere.’
Continuing to analyse the threat of PSG, Prince William added: ‘Not having [Kylian] Mbappe and other superstars there makes the team gel more.
‘I was really impressed watching them against Liverpool and especially Vitinha, who was at Wolves a couple of years ago and couldn’t get a game.
‘Now look at him. It shows you, a couple of years in development terms is massive. PSG have been amazing but I do think we can cause them trouble tonight.’
Interjecting following one of Prince William’s answers, ex-Manchester United and England defender Ferdinand said: ‘Can I just say something, do not go for a punditry job because I could be out of the game!
‘The way he dissected the game there… I’m going to nick that for later.’
TNT Sports presenter Reshmin Chowdhury added: ‘What a fabulous interview and as Rio rightly said, Prince William could well and truly take their jobs!’
Prince William travelled to Paris with his son, George, and was looking forward to watching a historic match at the Parc des Princes.
‘I’ve got my son here, it’s been 43 years since anything like this has happened for Aston Villa and I want George to experience that,’ he said.
‘I hope it’s not 43 years until the next time it happens. Bringing him along is a big deal for me.
‘I’m generally open to whoever they [his children] support but I’m a bit biased. They will probably support Villa but we’ll wait and see.’
Why does Prince William support Aston Villa?
The Prince, who backed Aston Villa to ‘beat PSG 2-1’, has previously explained why he supports the Premier League club.
He started following Villa after being taken to their matches by family friends when he was younger and ‘felt like he belonged’.
‘With the camaraderie among the fans and the chanting and the singing, I just felt like I belonged there,’ he said.
Prince William was in the tunnel at PSG’s stadium shortly before kick-off embracing several Villa players and wishing them well.
Football fans praised his cameo appearance on TNT Sports, with several hailing him as the ‘best pundit’ on the show.
‘Have to say, Prince William just put on a punditry clinic with Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist in Paris,’ one fan wrote on X. ‘The guy knows football.’
Another said: ‘So impressed with Prince William. He could definitely have a TV job in football.’
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