Unai Emery has confirmed that Ollie Watkins admitted his mistake in refusing to play against Brighton, as the striker's £50 million move to Al-Hilal was completed. The Aston Villa manager also revealed he shed a tear when saying goodbye to the England international, who has been replaced by Nicolas Jackson in a £65 million deal from Chelsea.
Watkins made it clear to Villa that he wanted to pursue the move to Saudi Arabia, given the lucrative contract on offer, and ruled himself out of the opening weekend fixture against Brighton. This decision came despite injuries to the club's other two strikers, Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo.
Emery's emotional farewell and Watkins' apology
Speaking in his pre-Arsenal press conference, Emery detailed the conversation he had with Watkins after the Brighton match. "Watkins, his commitment and behaviour was fantastic always. Last week we did not get a deal to finish the last match in Brighton, but he told us after the match that he was sorry and he told us that he made a mistake and that he was wrong," Emery said.
"We accepted it, the players as well, because he always had very good behaviour with the club and with me. He is a fantastic guy, even more than he is a player. I told him bye with a huge hug and a small tear."
The manager acknowledged his initial disappointment but stressed the overall positive relationship. "I was a little bit disappointed, and we spoke about it. To be clear, he is a fantastic guy and one mistake does not close all the good things he did here. Ollie is class."
New chapter with Nicolas Jackson
Emery also welcomed the arrival of Nicolas Jackson, the Senegal international who joins from Chelsea. "It is a new chapter with Nicolas Jackson. All the best to Saudi with Watkins. We are, of course, happy."
The double transfer marks a significant reshaping of Villa's attacking options, with the club reinvesting the Watkins fee plus additional funds to secure Jackson's signature. Watkins leaves after a prolific spell at Villa Park, having been a key figure in the club's recent successes, including Champions League qualification.
Jackson arrives with Premier League experience from his time at Chelsea, where he established himself as a regular scorer. The 23-year-old will be expected to lead the line as Villa prepare for another demanding season under Emery, with the club competing on multiple fronts including the Champions League.
The departures of Abraham and Madjo to injury, combined with Watkins' exit, had left Villa short in attack for the Brighton fixture, but the swift completion of the Jackson deal has provided Emery with a ready-made replacement. Villa's next test comes against Arsenal, where Jackson could make his debut.
