Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has welcomed Marco Asensio’s involvement in their upcoming Champions League clash with Aston Villa — even though the Spanish forward is currently on loan at the Premier League side.
Asensio, who made the temporary switch to Unai Emery’s team two months ago, is set to line up against his parent club in the quarter-final tie. The 29-year-old has quickly become a fan favorite at Villa Park, having scored 8 goals in just 11 appearances, including three in last month’s emphatic 6-1 aggregate win over Club Brugge.
Under UEFA regulations, loan players are allowed to feature against their parent clubs — a contrast to Premier League rules which prohibit such matchups.
Speaking ahead of the first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique made it clear he harbors no concerns over Asensio potentially causing damage on the pitch.
"It doesn’t bother me at all. I'm delighted Marco Asensio can play," Enrique told the media.
"He didn't get any playing time here, so he had the option of going to Birmingham. It’s good that he’s playing."
The PSG coach praised Asensio’s quality and contribution to both club and country, recalling their time together on the international stage.
"He was important. I shared a lot with him in the national team. I had the opportunity to play with him during a World Cup. He's a very important player for me," Enrique continued.
"He was important last season but also at the beginning of this season."
Despite struggling for minutes at PSG, Asensio — a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid — has rediscovered his form in England. His output at Villa already surpasses what he achieved in a year and a half in Paris.
Reports in France suggest that PSG may allow Asensio to depart permanently at the end of the season. But for now, the focus is on his impact for Villa, where he’s become a key part of their European charge.
UEFA’s stance on loan eligibility has previously led to memorable moments. Philippe Coutinho famously scored twice against Barcelona for Bayern Munich in the 2020 Champions League final. Thibaut Courtois also featured for Atlético Madrid against Chelsea while still on loan in 2014.
Even this season, Villa have benefited from the rule, with Samuel Iling-Junior featuring for Bologna against them earlier in the group stage.
Looking ahead to the match, Enrique emphasized that Villa will be a formidable opponent, especially under the guidance of Unai Emery.
“Aston Villa play different styles and are similar to us in that sense. It’s a double-header,” he noted.
With PSG among the favorites to lift the trophy after knocking out Liverpool in the previous round, all eyes will be on how Asensio performs in a high-stakes encounter against the club that let him go.
Would you keep Asensio after this season at Villa?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 8 Apr 2025 14:17
Asensio has been amazing for Aston Villa - but I think it will end here. I don't see Villa winning against PSG, which isn't a shame either. PSG has been fantastic.
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