Rogers joined Middlesbrough in a £1.5m deal in July 2023 and had a mixed start to the season. Eyebrows were raised when Aston Villa paid £8m plus add-ons for him just seven months later.

“It was pretty easy when I found out the team who wanted me,” says Rogers.

“It was tough leaving Middlesbrough because it was a fresh start. I felt close to the team and coaches, but when a team like Villa comes in it is impossible to say no. Being a lad from Birmingham it was the perfect reality. I couldn’t say no.”

After taking a few months to find his feet, this season Rogers has started all 12 of Villa’s games in the league and Champions League, including the Bayern match.

“I have always had that belief and wanted to get to the highest level of football,” he says.

“[Playing in the] Champions League – it is crazy. The feeling doesn’t wear off. To be a part of that is something I didn’t expect to happen so quickly.

“It is mad and surreal to feel I am playing against that level and calibre of player. It’s cool and exciting. I love football so much, so stuff like that still excites me.

“The Bayern game – stars from one to 11, all of them are superstars and it was a surreal moment to think I am on the pitch with them.”