Jhon Duran, the young, exciting striker for Aston Villa, isn’t afraid to speak his mind. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Duran reveals his unique approach to football and life, reflecting his fiery personality and ambitious goals.
“I don’t like to watch football all the time. The truth is, I get bored,” he admits, highlighting his desire to be different. And different he is. Duran has lit up the Premier League and Champions League this season, becoming a fan favorite with his sensational goals and electrifying performances.
Duran draws inspiration from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a player known for his self-belief and individuality. “I love him for his personality, his self-confidence, his scoring ability, his temper on the pitch. And he always said, ‘why be like everyone if you can be different?'” Duran shares. He embraces the ‘different’ label, stating, “I like to do what’s good for me, what makes me feel good, not what everyone wants me to do.”
His calm and composed performances on the big stage stem from his upbringing. “It’s instinctive, the upbringing, where I come from. You always have to work for your food. People who don’t have anything to eat get nervous. I’m not nervous. I’m very confident in myself and I have this in me,” he explains. The son of a miner, Duran takes pride in using his football success to provide for his family, stating, “I think it’s the most important challenge I’ve had in my life. Thank God, I fulfilled it.”
Despite his laid-back persona, Duran’s ambitions burn fiercely. He readily admits to having heated conversations with manager Unai Emery, who he sees as a valuable mentor. “There are [moments of] love and hate, sometimes! But no, I feel very grateful to him, very grateful to him and his coaching staff. We’ve had many problems, but they’re normal, I think,” he reveals. “The truth is, I’m very happy to be here with him, to share the space with him, to learn from his teachings. He wants to teach me all the time. He’s protective, sometimes.”
Duran acknowledges their differing viewpoints, saying, “Sometimes it happens, and there are sparks! So we’re constantly fighting! But I think it’s normal for a young man of my age, and a person like him who already knows a lot, who has already achieved so many things. And the truth is, I feel very, very grateful to be in this space, and that he’s a person as great in football as he is. To learn more from him every day, and I’m very happy with him here.”
The Colombian striker doesn’t shy away from expressing his desire for more playing time. He acknowledges the competition with Ollie Watkins, a fellow striker who has been instrumental for Villa in recent seasons. “Yes, patience has never been my thing. I’ve never had patience, to be honest, but you have to acquire it here,” Duran admits. “Of course, Ollie is a great player, a great striker. He’s shown a lot, he’s helped us a lot. Last season, the past couple of seasons, he’s been incredible. He’s a great person.”
Duran emphasizes the healthy competition and acknowledges Watkins’ current form: “You have to have patience, and I keep working, and when I get the chance, I’ll do what Ollie does and help the team. I’m very happy to have competition, healthy competition, with a star from England, as he is now.”
Looking to the future, Duran believes Villa can achieve great things. He reflects on his near-departure from the club in the summer and the support he received from Emery, Monchi, and Damian Vidagany. He credits them for keeping him grounded and believes their support has helped him mentally, which was a key factor at the start of the season. “With experience, we’re going to do big things, and we’re working for that. Thanks to them, we’re here, and I’m happy here.”
Jhon Duran’s story is just beginning, and his journey promises to be anything but boring. With his unique personality, unwavering ambition, and hunger for success, he is set to leave a mark on the Premier League and beyond.
