Ollie Watkins apologised for one thing to Aston Villa teammates as Unai Emery confirms his departure

Ollie Watkins delivered a heartfelt apology to his Aston Villa teammates, according to Unai Emery.

The manager has confirmed that the striker is officially leaving the club.

Ollie Watkins apologised for not playing against Brighton

Al-Hilal is expected to soon announce that they have officially brought Ollie Watkins to the club. This comes off the back of reports that a £51M fee has been agreed between the Saudi Pro League side and Aston Villa.

The Englishman is leaving a team which had a horrifying start to the Premier League in the form of a 4-0 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion. Watkins didn’t feature in this particular game, and for that, according to Unai Emery, the player has huge regrets.

The manager explained: “He told us after the Brighton match he was sorry and that he had made a mistake. He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players as well.

“His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy – a fantastic guy even more than a player. I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and with small tears.

“But now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson.”

Villa have agreed a £65M deal for the Senegalese goal-scorer.

Unai Emery isn’t worried about how the transfer window will impact Aston Villa

Unfortunately, for the Midlands team, several experienced players have left throughout the summer. However, Emery is confident that what’s occurred during the summer transfer window won’t have a negative impact on his side.

He said: “We took decisions because it’s good for the club.

“Of course, we don’t want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there. It’s crazy [money for someone] 30 years old and £50m for Ezri Konsa [who is 28].

“How we developed in the last year with some players and how we can sell some players now is completely the right decision.

“We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. [Fans] have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions.”

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