Tom Hanks Sends Message to Aston Villa
Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks has delivered a special message to the BBC in support of Aston Villa ahead of their Europa League final.
In an eight-second video clip, the Hollywood star stated:
This is Tom Hanks in the United States of America, thinking one thing and one thing only, go Villa
Historic Final for Aston Villa
Wednesday's match marks Aston Villa's first European final since their victory in the European Cup in 1982. Their opponents, Freiburg, have never previously appeared in a major continental final.
Notable Fans of Aston Villa
Tom Hanks is among several famous supporters of the club, which also counts the Prince of Wales and actor David Bradley among its fans.
Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Bradley, known for his role as Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films, reminisced about his first match at Villa Park in 1994, describing the atmosphere as "so amazing."
I was with the Royal Shakespeare Company for many years, but we always had Saturday matinees, that was in those days where all the games played on Saturday.
I never got a chance to go to Villa Park, but as soon as my contract finished in 94 I got tickets for a game against Everton,
Earlier this month, Prince William was photographed cheering from the stands during Villa's 4-0 semi-final victory against Nottingham Forest.
Manager Unai Emery confirmed that William joined in the post-match celebrations.
He was in the dressing room with the players and with me, and of course, he is so happy as well,
William, who is the patron of the Football Association, is a passionate Aston Villa supporter and has followed the Midlands club since his school days.
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