{
  "id": 3975848,
  "title": "Unai Emery reveals Ollie Watkins apology – but confirms tearful Aston Villa departure",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/unai-emery-reveals-ollie-watkins-apology-but-confirms-tearful-aston",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T14:08:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/unai-emery-reveals-ollie-watkins-135612505.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Unai Emery, Aston Villa's manager, revealed that he shed tears upon receiving an apology from Ollie Watkins before the striker's transfer to Saudi Arabia. The England international is set to join Al Hilal in a £50m deal, with Emery agreeing to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea as Watkins' replacement. Watkins missed Aston Villa's 4-0 Premier League loss to Brighton on the opening weekend of the season. Emery expressed his disappointment over Watkins' absence and acknowledged the emotional farewell they had this week. \"He made a mistake and was wrong,\" Emery said, adding that Watkins' behavior had always been exemplary. Emery confirmed that the players, including Watkins, accepted his apology. He also mentioned that Nicolas Jackson is expected to make his debut against Arsenal on Monday night. Despite losing six key players, Emery remains confident that Aston Villa can still be competitive in the current season, with new signings and a focus on balancing experience and potential.",
  "summary": "Emery said he and Watkins had a ‘big hug’ and a ‘small cry’ as the striker prepares to move to Saudi Arabia",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Ollie Watkins expected to arrive in Riyadh ahead of Al Hilal move",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/ollie-watkins-expected-to-arrive-in-riyadh-ahead-of-al-hilal-move",
        "published": "2026-08-28T05:41:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}