EMI AWARD AFTER FINAL PLOT TWIST IN EPIC DRAMA

Buendia's staying power pays off after dark days

- FROM JEREMY CROSS

EMI BUENDIA has been on a roller-coaster ride which has taken him to the highest point of his career.

And the Aston Villa star believes he has his own self-belief to thank for helping him go from conquering his demons to European champion.

Buendia admits he has been through some dark times since joining Villa from Norwich in a £38 million deal in 2021.

He suffered a cruel ACL injury in training ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and was sidelined for the whole season.

He returned to competitive action almost 12 months to the day of his injury, and signed a new deal later that season.

But in January 2025 he was sent to Bayer Leverkusen on a six-month loan deal.

He was told he could leave Villa Park last summer, but was determined to hang around to show the club and supporters he could still be a success.