Emery says Watkins apologized for refusal to play before Al Hilal move

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed that striker Ollie Watkins apologized to him and his teammates for refusing to play in the club's Premier League season opener against Brighton last weekend, a decision that preceded his imminent departure to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. The England international is set to complete a move worth approximately 50 million, ending a six-year spell at Villa Park where he became the club's record Premier League goalscorer. The 30-year-old's refusal to be available for selection for the match on August 23, which Villa lost 4-0, prompted a public response from Emery at the time.