Ollie Watkins has thanked Aston Villa fans “from the bottom of my heart” after joining Al Hilal on a three-year deal.
The England international has become the latest big name to leave Villa Park this window as he sealed a £50 million ($68 million) move to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, a week after sitting out Villa’s opening match of the season which ended in a 4-0 loss to Brighton.
It brings to an end a six-year spell at Villa, during which time Watkins became the club’s Premier League record scorer with 91 goals in the top flight and helped them to win last season’s Europa League.
“Firstly, I’d like to say never did I intend, nor did I imagine my time at Aston Villa would end this way,” Watkins said in a video posted on Instagram.
“With that being said I’m 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. 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.”
After thanking his three managers at Villa Park – Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery – Watkins added: “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.”
A Villa statement said: “Capable of scoring different types of goals with a ruthless streak, allied to a selfless work ethic for his team’s benefit, Watkins leaves Villa having played his part in our UEFA Europa League victory and with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.”
Watkins is the third England international to leave Villa this window following Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa, while fellow first-team regulars Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Martínez and Lucas Digne have also departed.