Ollie Watkins says Al Hilal are ‘the best team’ as he targets winning start

England international Ollie Watkins says there is “no better team than Al Hilal” for him to join as he begins a new chapter after completing his move from Aston Villa.

The striker was announced as an Al Hilal player on Sunday evening and has already made clear his ambition to challenge for major honours, score regularly and win every match with the Saudi Arabian club.

“I received a lot of messages and comments when I was going on to my Instagram account, and they were all wonderful messages,” Watkins told Al Hilal’s official website. “I became very excited about coming here and playing in front of the fans.”

Watkins, who became a key part of Aston Villa’s attack after joining from Brentford in 2020, explained that the opportunity to compete for trophies was central to his decision to move.

“To win trophies, so I don’t think there is a better team than Al Hilal to join,” he said. “It’s a big challenge, but the pressure from the fans is something I’m used to and, as I said, I want to win every game.”

The 29-year-old also praised the facilities available at his new club, saying they would provide everything he needs to perform at the highest level and recover properly between matches.

“The facilities are amazing, even downstairs, the recovery room and the treatment room,” Watkins added. “Everything is top level. I think you have everything you need here to get to the highest level and to help you recover before games.”

He is particularly looking forward to making his first appearance at home, where he will have the chance to experience the atmosphere created by Al Hilal’s supporters.

“I’m happy that my first game will be at home, so I can see the atmosphere and play in front of our wonderful fans,” Watkins said. “I’m very excited and I cannot wait to score many goals in front of them.”

Watkins leaves Aston Villa after becoming one of the club’s leading attacking figures since his arrival from Brentford. Across 278 appearances, he scored 108 goals and provided 47 assists, numbers that helped secure his place among the club’s legends.

Al Hilal have made an unbeaten start to their Saudi League campaign, winning all three of their opening matches. They began with a 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly before beating Al-Fayha 3-0 in their second fixture.

Their strongest result so far came in the third round, when they defeated Al-Khaleej 5-1. That victory placed Al Hilal second in the table, behind leaders Al Nassr, although they have played one match fewer.

Al Hilal are preparing to face Al Ahli on Tuesday in their next Saudi League fixture, with Watkins now set to begin competing for a place in a side aiming to add further silverware to its season.