Senegal international Nicolas Jackson has opened up about his failed move to Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
Jackson ended signing for Chelsea in 2023 following an outstanding performance for Villarreal in the Spanish La Liga.
The 23-year-old gained prominence at Villarreal in 2022/23 under current Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.
The Spanish coach, who is huge admirer of the Senegalese was keen about snapping up Jackosn to the Villa Park during the 2023 January transfer window.
However, the move fell through due to a hamstring injury the striker was suffering with at the time.
“When Unai left, he wanted me to go to Aston Villa, but I was injured,” Jackson admitted. “I wanted to leave because the coach came in. I had to go, but I was injured a little bit in my hamstring. We went there, they checked and said I needed one more month and they want me now.
“If they want me in one week, two weeks, I was not ready, so they had to cancel the transfer, and I went back.
“When I went back, I was very angry. Not angry I didn’t sign because when we were on the plane, I told my friend, ‘Don’t worry, better things will come and that’s life.’ Then I started working more to play with Villarreal. When I came back, I think I scored 12 goals in two months.”
The Senegal international moved to west London after Chelsea splashed £32m on the former Villarreal forward. After a difficult first season in England, Jackson has found his feet in 2024/25.
He has scored eight times and provided a further three assists in 14 Premier League outings and has blossomed into a deadly finisher despite struggling with profligacy in his debut campaign with the Blues.
