Departing Watkins apologised for refusing to play - Emery

Manager Unai Emery said Ollie Watkins apologised for refusing to play for Aston Villa on Sunday as he paid an emotional tribute to the departing striker.

The 30-year-old is expected in Saudi Arabia on Friday to complete a £51m move to Al-Hilal, with Villa poised to finalise the signing of Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson for £65m as his replacement.

Emery praised the England forward's behaviour during his Villa career and said he and the squad had accepted Watkins' apology for making himself unavailable against Brighton .

Watkins is Villa's record Premier League scorer with 91 goals, part an overall tally of 108 in all competitions since signing from Brentford for £28m in 2020.

"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," said Emery.

"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.

Villa have agreed a deal for Jackson and are trying to ensure the Senegal striker is registered for Monday's visit of Arsenal .

Watkins is the latest experienced player to leave Villa this summer and Emery urged supporters to back the club's strategy despite the loss of several key figures in their successful 2025-26 season.