Emery confirms Watkins' apology ahead of striker's Aston Villa departure

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that striker Ollie Watkins has apologized for making himself unavailable for the club's Premier League opener. Watkins is reportedly on the verge of a £50 million transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, with Villa poised to sign Nicolas Jackson as his replacement.

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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.

Watkins, who is Aston Villa's record Premier League scorer with 91 goals, was absent from the team's 4-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Emery described the situation with Watkins as emotional, stating, "I told him 'bye' with a huge hug and with small tears." He added that Watkins acknowledged his mistake and that the team accepted his apology.

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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.

Emery defended the club's transfer strategy amidst a close-season exodus of key players, including goalkeeper Emi Martinez. He stressed the necessity of difficult decisions for the club's future. "We took decisions because it's good for the club," Emery said. "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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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.

The club has also signed former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer. Emery praised Goretzka as "a winner" and "a very competitive player to add into our squad."

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He is a winner. He is a very competitive player - a good player to add into our squad.