Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins apologised to his teammates after making himself unavailable for the club’s Premier League clash with Brighton, manager Unai Emery has revealed.
The 30-year-old England international is set to complete a £51m transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, ending his five-year spell at Villa.
Emery said Watkins admitted he had made a mistake after the Brighton match, with both the manager and his teammates accepting his apology.
“He told us after the Brighton match he was sorry and that he had made a mistake. He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players as well,” Emery said, according to BBC Sport.
Watkins leaves Aston Villa as the club’s record Premier League goalscorer, having netted 91 league goals and 108 across all competitions since joining from Brentford for £28m in 2020.
Emery paid tribute to the striker, praising his professionalism and conduct throughout his time at the club.
“His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy – a fantastic guy even more than a player,” the Villa manager said.
“I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and with small tears.”
Villa have agreed a £65m deal to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea as Watkins’ replacement, with the club working to register the Senegal international in time for Monday’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal.
Emery said Jackson’s arrival represents the beginning of a new chapter for the club.
“But now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson,” he said.
Watkins is the latest experienced player to leave Villa during the summer transfer window. However, Emery defended the club’s transfer strategy, insisting the decisions were made in the best interests of Aston Villa.
“We took decisions because it’s good for the club,” Emery said.
“Of course, we don’t want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there.”
Villa have also strengthened their midfield with the free transfer of Leon Goretzka from Bayern Munich.
The Germany international arrives at Villa Park with seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy to his name.
“He is a winner. He is a very competitive player – a good player to add into our squad,” Emery said.
“He is versatile and arrives fit and training well. Hopefully on Monday he can be on the field.”
