Ollie Watkins has expressed his gratitude to Aston Villa supporters "from the bottom of my heart" after completing a £50million move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal on a three-year contract. The England international's departure was confirmed on Sunday, a week after he sat out Villa's 4-0 defeat to Brighton in their opening Premier League match of the season.
Watkins' transfer brings to an end a six-year spell at Villa Park, during which he became the club's Premier League record scorer with 91 goals in the top flight and played a key role in the team's Europa League triumph last season. His refusal to play in the Brighton loss angered fans, and he later apologised to manager Unai Emery and his team-mates, with Emery insisting the striker's Villa legacy remained intact.
A heartfelt farewell to Villa fans
In a video posted on Instagram, Watkins addressed the circumstances of his exit directly. "Firstly, I'd like to say never did I intend, nor did I imagine my time at Aston Villa would end this way," he said. "With that being said I'm eternally grateful for the last six years. Not only has it shaped me as a player, but as a person. We've been through so many ups and downs during my six seasons here."
He continued: "But one thing that has never changed is that I've given everything for this club. From my first goals in the 7-2 win against Liverpool, getting the club back into Europe, the Champions League nights at Villa Park to that unforgettable night in Istanbul." Watkins also thanked his three Villa managers – Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and Emery – before adding: "It's time for a new chapter that I'm excited about. However, I close this chapter with a heavy heart. Villa will always mean so much to me. Thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart."
Villa's official tribute
Aston Villa released a statement acknowledging Watkins' contributions, saying: "Capable of scoring different types of goals with a ruthless streak, allied to a selfless work ethic for his team's benefit, Watkins leaves Villa having played his part in our UEFA Europa League victory and with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club."
Watkins is the third England international to leave Villa this summer, following Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa, while first-team regulars Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Martinez and Lucas Digne have also departed. Villa have already signed Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea to replace Watkins, as the club continues to reshape its squad ahead of the new season.
