Aston Villa boss Dean Smith admits they're a season away from matching the ambitions of former captain Jack Grealish.
Grealish chose to depart for Manchester City in order to fulfil his aim of playing in the Champions League.
Smith told Sky Sports News: “We are all disappointed Jack chose to leave because he meant so much to all of us.
“But we also understand why he left and we wish him well, apart from when he plays against Villa, obviously.
“He is a unique player, a unique character and I can honestly say the best player I have worked with. I have really enjoyed helping Jack develop into the person he is today.
“In terms of where Jack can go, he will thrive playing at the highest level. It is what he was born to do."
He added: “We were probably 18 months behind where we needed to be in order to keep Jack.
“But Jack will show his worth on the highest stage of all in the Champions League, as he did during the Euros (for England) in the summer."
