Such as the one tennis superstar Rafael Nadal made to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, urging him to sign a teenage talent from his native homeland of Majorca. Another was from Ruud van Nistelrooy, asking if the playmaker would consider switching his international allegiance from Spain to the Netherlands because his late mother was born there.

But the most important over the last few weeks have come from Unai Emery who has worked tirelessly to convince the 29-year-old his immediate future lies at Villa Park.

The Spaniard succeeded. What a coup for Villa to land the three-time Champions League winner at the age of 29. Incredible to think that his best years may be in Birmingham.

Asensio, who left Paris St Germain on loan to join Emery until the end of the season, said: “I spoke with Unai so many times, he transmitted lots of things to me – like how the coaching staff work, how the boys are, what Villa Park is like. He told me the faith he had in the club and what he’s creating.

“I knew people from his coaching staff. Everywhere they have been, they have had success. Throughout football they are recognised for developing and improving players. And the project that the club has is incredible. That’s one of the things that attracted me.

“I could have come here one year ago. It’s been in my mind since then because I know it’s a winning team, and the plan is to aim high and win titles. It was an opportunity. I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League. So, why not?”

Marco Asensio of Aston Villa on his debut against Spurs (

Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford ’s arrival may have generated more headlines but Asensio’s pedigree is beyond reproach. Three-time Champions League winner. In terms of trophies, he sits in the top 20 players of all time to have won the shirt of Los Blancos.

But, whenever a player of this quality becomes available, the question is always: ‘Why?’

The Spanish international allowed his contract to run down at the Bernabeu before joining Paris St Germain. What has gone on in the French capital with the Qatari-backed club that makes him available on loan?

He said: “Basically, nothing happened! The coach just felt that he would make other choices for players. He picked them. That was happening quite frequently during the season, I decided I needed to play and I wanted a change.

“And a key factor in my decision was that when I spoke to Unai, he told me he sees me as a No.10.

“When I left Real Madrid, I felt that was the next step in my career where I can feel more comfortable and develop more. So, when we spoke, he saw me as a No.10. That was important to me.

Marco Asensio celebrates scoring for Real Madrid (

Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)In Paris, Asensio was a perennial substitute“I’ve known Unai for years. I know how he plays. His style suits my football and he will get the best version of me.”

Villa have taken huge strides very quickly since Emery arrived at the club. His first full season ended with Champions League qualification. Now, he’s signing Asensio and Marcus Rashford in an attempt to conclude a congested campaign successfully.

The former Real Madrid man feels like he can add the fine margins necessary to make a difference. He said: “In big games, everything is based on small details. I know that from my own experience.

“But I also feel the manager and coaching staff have this experience too, especially in Europe. They transmit that in the way they prepare for games. We are on a good path.

“We are trying to build something important. This is a really young team, with lots of young lads in the squad. The most experienced ones, we are going to bring our experience to these situations; there are a couple of new boys in the dressing room now, so we have to adapt quickly to get to know them.

“This isn’t a step backward. It’s a big challenge for me. I feel quite responsible because I feel like I’m bringing all the experiences I have, playing in these competitions and in these big games and I’m really happy to be here and play with this responsibility.”

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