In an unprecedented move that has the football world doing a double-take, Aston Villa has announced the signing of none other than Prince William to their midfield line-up. The news has sent shockwaves through the sport, leaving fans and royal watchers alike baffled and bemused.
The Prince, known for his love of the beautiful game and his lifelong support of the club, has reportedly been honing his skills in secret training sessions at Kensington Palace’s gardens. Villa’s manager, in a press conference held in the grandiose setting of Buckingham Palace, revealed that William’s tactical understanding of the game and his regal presence on the pitch made him an irresistible addition to the team.
“His Highness may not have the pace of a 20-year-old, but what he lacks in speed, he makes up for with sheer determination and an uncanny ability to predict the opponent’s moves,” the manager quipped, as the Prince nodded, his game face on.
The signing ceremony was a spectacle, with the Prince donning the claret and blue jersey, complete with a crown emblem stitched above the heart. When asked about his position on the field, William joked, “I’m used to defending the realm, so why not defend the goal?”
Opposition teams have expressed a mix of amusement and concern. “We’re not sure whether to bow or tackle,” one confused midfielder from a rival club stated.
Aston Villa fans are already creating chants and songs to welcome their new royal teammate, with lyrics that playfully warn competitors that they’re now up against football royalty. “He might not be the fastest, but he’s certainly the most noble,” one fan was overheard saying.
The FA has had to update its rulebook to accommodate the unique situation. “We’ve added a clause for royal protocol on the pitch. Should a player accidentally trip His Royal Highness, a polite apology will suffice instead of a yellow card,” an FA spokesperson explained with a wink.
As for the Prince’s debut match, it’s set to be a charity event that will see all proceeds going to support youth sports initiatives across the UK. The match is already being dubbed ‘The Royal Rumble,’ and if the buzz is anything to go by, it’s set to be a match for the history books.
In a statement released by Kensington Palace, Prince William expressed his excitement and promised to “give it his all.” He also added, “I may not be the king of England yet, but I’ll strive to be the king of the midfield.”
While some may see this as a mere publicity stunt, others believe that Prince William’s presence on the team could bring a new level of strategy and leadership to Aston Villa.