Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery, has revealed that Ollie Watkins apologised to the club and his teammates after refusing to play in Sunday’s Premier League match against Brighton.
Watkins is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday to complete a £51m move to Al-Hilal, with Villa set to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson for £65m as his replacement.
Emery said the England international admitted his mistake after Villa’s 4-0 defeat by Brighton and that the squad accepted 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.
The 30-year-old has been Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer, with 91 goals, and has scored 108 times in all competitions since joining the club from Brentford for £28m in 2020.
Emery paid tribute to Watkins’ contribution to the club and described his conduct throughout his Villa career as excellent.
“His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy – a fantastic guy even more than a player. I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and with small tears,” he said.
“But now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson.”
Villa have agreed a deal to sign Jackson from Chelsea and are working to ensure the Senegal international is registered in time for Monday’s home match against Arsenal.
Watkins is the latest experienced player to leave Villa during a summer of significant squad changes.
Emery defended the club’s transfer strategy and urged supporters to understand the decisions being made as Villa rebuild their squad.
“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. It’s crazy [money for someone] 30 years old and £50m for Ezri Konsa [who is 28].
“How we developed in the last year with some players and how we can sell some players now is completely the right decision.
“We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. [Fans] have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions.”
As part of the rebuilding process, Leon Goretzka completed his move to Villa on a free transfer on Thursday after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season.
The Germany midfielder won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League during his time with Bayern.
Emery welcomed the arrival of the experienced midfielder and said he could feature against Arsenal.
“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.”
