Ollie Watkins Apologizes to Aston Villa Team-Mates After Brighton Game

Unai Emery revealed that Ollie Watkins apologised to his Aston Villa team-mates for refusing to play on Sunday, as the head coach delivered a heartfelt farewell to the club’s departing record scorer.

Watkins, who sat out the game against Brighton after making himself unavailable, is expected in Saudi Arabia on Friday to complete a £51m move to Al-Hilal. Villa are set to respond by bringing in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson for £65m as his replacement.

Emery made it clear the incident had been addressed inside the dressing room.

“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 Spaniard then shifted from discipline to affection. Watkins leaves as Villa’s top Premier League marksman with 91 goals, and 108 in all competitions, having joined from Brentford for £28m in 2020. Those numbers tell one story. Emery insisted the person behind them tells an even stronger one.

“His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He's a fantastic guy – a fantastic guy even more than a player,” he said. “I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and with small tears.”

Watkins’ exit closes one of the most prolific chapters of Villa’s modern era. Emery, though, was already looking ahead.

“But now it's a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson.”