Ollie Watkins shares emotional video after completing £51m Al Hilal move with Arsenal ace to follow & Benzema to be axed

OLLIE WATKINS has said an emotional farewell to Aston Villa after completing his controversial move to Al Hilal. The striker, 30, refused to play in Villa’s Premier League opener last weekend away at Brighton as the team lost 4-0 in a disastrous start on the south coast. Ollie Watkins has said an emotional goodbye to Aston Villa Credit: Instagram / @alhilal He has joined Al Hilal after a big-money transfer Credit: Instagram / @alhilal But he returned to apologise to manager Unai Emery before his switch to Saudi Arabia was confirmed. And Watkins, a modern day Villa great with 278 appearances and 108 goals (91 in the Prem) shared a sad goodbye with fans online. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Sat down in a plush Villa chair, Watkins speaks into the camera and talks over some of his best moments during his time after joining from Brentford in 2020. With slow music playing in the background, he said: “Hi Villans. Firstly, I’d like to say never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way. “With that being said, I am eternally grateful for the last six years. “Not only has it shaped me as a player, but as a person. “We’ve been through so many ups and downs during my six seasons here. “But one thing that has never changed is that I’ve given everything for this club. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK “From my first goals in the 7-2 win against Liverpool, 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 is an achievement I never thought would be possible when I signed for the club. “I want to thank everyone who has contributed to my time here. “Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard, and especially Unai Emery, for always believing in me. “For me personally, my two children were born here in Birmingham. “And to see them walk on the pitch and you fans singing my name in the Holte End, in front of them and my family, is something that will always stay with me forever. “Birmingham will always be home and so will Villa. “After six years, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s time for a new chapter that I’m excited about. “However, I close this chapter with a heavy heart. “Villa will always mean so much to me. “Thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart. Ollie.” England forward Watkins is set to join up with Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, who will be signed for around £50million. And they are trying to replace Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema, who ripped up his contract at the Middle Eastern side. It is reported that the Frenchman could retire. Al-Hilal still have Kalidou Koulibaly, Theo Hernandez, Yassine Bounou, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Crysencio Summerville, and Darwin Nunez in their squad. Watkins, who tried to force his Villa exit as chiefs held out for a bigger fee, has been replaced by Nicolas Jackson. The response to his video has been mixed with many upset at the way Watkins pushed to leave. Comment now