Ollie Watkins says he never imagined his Aston Villa career ending this way after completing his £51m move to Al-Hilal, bringing an emotional close to six years at the club.
The 30-year-old striker joins the Saudi Pro League side on a three-year deal. He leaves Villa as their record Premier League scorer with 91 goals.
Watkins also confirms that his departure did not unfold as he expected.
“Never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way,” Watkins writes on social media.
The England international makes himself unavailable for Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton last weekend. Manager Unai Emery later says Watkins apologises for his decision.
Despite the difficult ending, Watkins looks back fondly on his time at Villa.
“I am eternally grateful for the last six years,” he says. “Not only has it shaped me as a player, but as a person.”
Watkins arrives at Villa in 2020 and becomes a key figure in the club’s rise under Emery. Villa establish themselves as regular top-six contenders and win the Europa League, their first European trophy in 44 years.
His Villa career also produces several defining moments.
Watkins scores in the famous 7-2 victory over Liverpool. He helps Villa return to European competition and features in memorable Champions League nights at Villa Park.
He also celebrates the club’s European success in Istanbul.
“From my first goals in the 7-2 win over Liverpool to getting the club back into Europe, the Champions League nights at Villa Park to that unforgettable night in Istanbul and becoming Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer,” Watkins says.
“It is an achievement that I never thought would be possible when I signed for the club.”
Emery admits the farewell proves emotional.
The Villa manager describes Watkins as “fantastic” and says he sheds “small tears” while saying goodbye to the striker.
Watkins also pays tribute to those who helped shape his career. He thanks former managers Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard, while giving particular praise to Emery for believing in him.
His connection with Villa extends beyond football. His two children were born in Birmingham, and Watkins says the city will always feel like home.
“My two children were born here,” he says. “To see them walk on to the pitch and see you fans sing my name in front of them and my family is something that will always stay with me forever.”
Watkins now begins a new chapter at Al-Hilal. He joins Crysencio Summerville at the Saudi club, while Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli also prepares to travel to Saudi Arabia for a medical.
For Watkins, however, the focus remains on what he leaves behind.
“Birmingham will always be home, and so will Villa,” he says.
