Emery says Watkins’ Aston Villa legacy stands despite Al-Hilal transfer fallout

Unai Emery says one mistake before Aston Villa’s opening match against Brighton could not erase Ollie Watkins’ years of service to the club, as the England striker prepares to complete a move to Al-Hilal worth about £50m.

Watkins chose not to make himself available for the Brighton game despite Aston Villa being without their other two forwards, Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo, through injury. His decision caused frustration within the club before he later apologised to Emery and his team-mates and admitted he had made a mistake.

The 29-year-old is now set to leave Villa and begin a new challenge in the Roshn Saudi League, with the sizeable financial offer from Al-Hilal helping to convince him to seek a fresh experience in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at a news conference before Aston Villa’s match against Arsenal, Emery said Watkins’ conduct had otherwise been exemplary throughout his time at the club.

“Ollie Watkins’ commitment and behaviour were always excellent,” said Emery. “Last week, we could not reach an agreement that would allow him to play against Brighton, but after the match he told us he was sorry. He admitted that he had made a mistake and that he was wrong.”

The Aston Villa manager said the apology had been accepted by both himself and the squad, pointing to Watkins’ long-standing character and contribution.

“We accepted his apology, as did the players, because he has always behaved well with the club and with me,” Emery added. “He is a great person, perhaps even better as a person than as a player. I said goodbye to him with a big hug and a small tear.”

Emery acknowledged that he had been disappointed by Watkins’ actions before the Brighton fixture, but insisted the incident had to be viewed in the context of the striker’s wider record at Aston Villa.

“I felt some disappointment, and we spoke about it,” he said. “But to be clear, he is a great person, and one mistake does not erase all the good things he has done here. Ollie is a top-class player.”

Watkins became one of Aston Villa’s most important attacking players during his years at the club. His departure marks the end of a significant period of his career in England, while his move to Al-Hilal represents a major change as he takes on a new challenge in Saudi football.

Emery also indicated that Aston Villa were ready to move forward with Nicolas Jackson as part of a new attacking phase.

“It is a new chapter now with Nicolas Jackson,” he said. “I wish Watkins all the best in Saudi Arabia. And, of course, we are happy.”

Watkins’ transfer is expected to bring an end to his Aston Villa spell after the striker expressed his desire to leave and accepted the opportunity offered by Al-Hilal. Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his final days, Emery’s comments underline the high regard in which the forward remains held at the club.