Asensio Against Former Club / Real Madrid Star's Return to the Champions League with Fenerbahçe

Marco Asensio, the former Real Madrid attacking midfielder who played for Aston Villa in the second half of the 2024-25 season, returned to the pitch last weekend in a Fenerbahçe shirt.

According to "Sports Three", Marco Asensio admitted after joining Aston Villa in January 2025: "Unai Emery is a coach I have known for a long time. He played a key role in me coming here. "His ideas fit perfectly with my style of play." A year and a half later, he has returned to Birmingham this time in Fenerbahçe's lineup to face Aston Villa.

Asensio was not in a good condition at that time. Luis Enrique left him out of his plans in Paris Saint-Germain and this player did not hesitate to look for a way out in the winter transfer market of the 2024-25 season. Fate pitted Aston Villa and the Parisian team against each other in the quarter-finals of the European Champions League.

He played a total of 21 games and scored 8 goals and provided 1 assist. However, Aston Villa's restrictions due to Financial Fair Play rules did not allow his contract to be extended permanently after his loan spell.

Monchi, Villa's sporting director at the time, explained in an interview: "I thought Marco would stay. This was our goal, but it did not happen due to financial issues. Paris Saint-Germain had a stubborn position and Marco was worried about not closing the contract."

Asensio finally accepted Fenerbahçe's offer. He was always grateful to Emery for rescuing him in the days when he had no place in Paris Saint-Germain's thoughts. "Amri is a great coach," he said earlier in a conversation with Marca. He takes care of all the details and has a very cordial relationship with the players. What I was looking for here was continuity to reach my best level. "I think I achieved that goal last season at Aston Villa."

Asensio played a significant role in the success of Fenerbahçe by registering 13 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. In fact, Lamine Yamal was the only Spanish player who had a direct influence on more goals last season.

In this season, he wore the number 10 shirt of Fenerbahçe, but due to injury, he was away from the field for more than a month. He returned to the field last weekend by scoring in the win against Rizespor and said: "It was a difficult period for me, but I think that step by step I will reach a much better ideal condition."

30-year-old Asensio, who has won three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, will compete again tonight.