Unai Emery admitted he shed a tear after saying goodbye to Ollie Watkins on Thursday — and said it is “crazy” that Aston Villa were able to get transfer fees of £50million for the England striker and Ezri Konsa.The Athletic revealed on Monday that Watkins had apologised to team-mates after missing Villa’s 4-0 opening-day defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. Watkins had made clear he wished to join Al Hilal and stopped training with Villa as negotiations continued.However, The Athletic reported Watkins returned on Monday, with Villa accepting an offer worth £50m plus small add-ons from Al Hilal. Watkins said goodbye on Wednesday before flying to Saudi Arabia on Thursday morning. Konsa, 28, joined Arsenal for £51m earlier this month.“I can tell you now Watkins’ commitment and behaviour was fantastic always,” said Emery, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Villa’s Monday night match against Arsenal. “Last week, we didn’t get a deal to finish playing the match against Brighton but he told us after the match that he was sorry and he told us he made a mistake and was wrong.
“We accepted it and the players did as well because he always had very good behaviour with me. For me, he’s a fantastic guy, even more so than as a player. I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and a small cry. But all the best with him in Saudi and with Nicolas Jackson replacing him.”Konsa joined Arsenal after featuring for England at the World Cup (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Jackson has signed a five-year deal plus an option of a further 12 months at Villa, with the club trying to ensure he is registered to play the match against Arsenal. The 25-year-old will replace Watkins, who leaves Villa as their all-time Premier League goalscorer.“Watkins did fantastic years,” added Emery. “Scoring goals, his behaviour, commitment, even when he was injured.“Last week, I was disappointed but we spoke about it and it was now clear. He’s a fantastic guy and one mistake is not closing all the good things he did here. Ollie is class.“We took some decisions because they are good for the club. Trying to compete as best as possible and understand some decisions. The decision we took in how we develop with some players and how we can sell some players is completely the right one.“With Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, they had a clause. Whereas Watkins and Emiliano Martinez yesterday and Ezri Konsa, it’s crazy at 30 years old, we can get £50m for Konsa and Watkins.“We don’t want to be a club that wants to sell players. but we must accept it. Why? Because the players were demanding to leave and for us, it’s a good deal.“We must be the same as we have in the last four years. Of course, maybe not every year we are achieving.”Villa face Arsenal, who will have Konsa available to make his debut, at Villa Park on Monday, looking to bounce back from their opening-day 4-0 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion.Aug 28, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
