The 30-year-old striker had a slow start to the campaign, picking up injuries on international duty, but has been one of Aston Villa's most consistent performers during the run-in. He produced one of his most complete displays on Friday, contributing both goals and a close creative partnership with Morgan Rogers throughout.
"An amazing achievement. What we have done this season after the start we had — a poor start where we hardly scored and didn't win for six games — there was a lot of doubt and negativity around the club and the feeling in camp. We've turned it around with some big performances."
On the personal journey through a difficult spell.
"I had a slow start to the season, picking up a few niggles on international duty and then being left out of the England squad. I think it gave me that fire in my belly to come back and prove to people what I can do. A lot of people had written me off this season and I use that as motivation to show them that I can be back to my best — scoring and helping the team."
He explained precisely how his second goal came about — Dominik Szoboszlai slipping and gifting possession, with Morgan Rogers' assist then finishing the move.
"Just before the goal, I was disappointed because I went offside — they play such a high line. I shouldn't be offside in that position but to grab that goal a minute later, me and Morgan have a great connection. Buzzing Pau missed that — I knew I wasn't offside. It's horrible when it goes to VAR but you can't ask for anything more as a striker with a little tap in there."
He was honest about why he finds Liverpool a productive opponent.
"Liverpool play a high line and don't play offside so they're disjointed at the back and I feel like there's a lot of space for me to run into. No disrespect to them, the centre-backs are world class, but I spot space and opportunities. I like to run in behind."
Villa now head to Istanbul with Champions League football already secured.
"Being in the Europa League final is an amazing achievement. Excitement around the club, everyone is buzzing, and we'll leave it all on the pitch on Wednesday."