Aston Villa star Jhon Duran has revealed he’s delighted, despite his limited game time, after scoring the only goal in his side’s 1-0 Champions League win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
The 20-year-old’s brilliant lofted effort beat Manuel Neuer in the 79th minute to give Unai Emery’s side all three points.
Duran has now scored six goals this season, the same number as Ollie Watkins.
He remains behind the England international in Emery’s pecking order, however, with the Spaniard usually preferring to deploy just one player up top.
Aston Villa news: Jhon Duran has revealed he’s ‘happy’ after scoring the only goal of the game in his side’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich
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Duran flirted with Chelsea back in the summer, with Villa reportedly considering his departure at the time.
Given his goalscoring exploits, however, there seems to be little chance of the Colombian leaving the Midlands any time soon.
And Duran, speaking to ESPN, has now insisted he’s ‘happy’ after firing his side to such a famous European win.
“Happy to score again and even more so against a great team, one of my dream teams and happy to be the man of the match,” he said.
“They are a great team from Europe, important, they are one of the best teams in the world, happy to play this game against them.”
The 20-year-old was also asked about his bench role.
But Duran thinks that his ability to produce as a substitute shows he has a ‘winning mentality’ that is ‘part of the job’.
“This [winning mentality] is part of the job, being focused, waiting for the opportunity and seizing the moment,” he added.
Pau Torres provided the assist for Duran’s winner.
He still had plenty to do – but his brilliant effort sailed beyond the reach of Neuer and into the net.
Duran paid tribute to his team-mate by saying: “I know Pau Torres well, he has the quality of always putting the pass there.
“I was at the right moment and his pass is always incredible.”
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Aston Villa news: Jhon Duran was elated after downing Bayern Munich in Wednesday night’s Champions League tie
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As mentioned above, Duran nearly left Villa back in the summer.
With Emery apparently concerned about his attitude in training and inconsistent behaviour, the Spaniard was ready to cut him loose.
Chelsea were interested, though the Blues would end up bringing in Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid instead.
And West Ham had an offer rejected, with Duran angering Villa fans by performing an ‘irons’ gesture on social media.
Aston Villa news: Jhon Duran has six goals this season after his brilliant strike against Bayern Munich
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Duran insists his relationship with Villa fans has been mended by his brilliant goalscoring form, however.
“Thank you for the love you have shown me since I arrived,” he continued.
“We have had a couple of disagreements, but I think that now we are on a good relationship, and I am happy that you give me that love that the fans give me.”