{
  "id": 4470543,
  "title": "'Birmingham will always be home, and so will Villa' - Watkins",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/birmingham-will-always-be-home-and-so-will-villa-watkins",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T17:51:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/birmingham-always-home-villa-watkins-175134604.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ollie Watkins, the striker who holds Aston Villa's record for most Premier League goals, has expressed his gratitude and stated that both Villa and Birmingham will remain significant parts of his life following his £51 million move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The 30-year-old England international decided to withdraw from Villa's opening Premier League match against Brighton, citing an apology for his absence.\n\nWatkins took to social media to bid farewell to his six-year tenure at Aston Villa, emphasizing that he never anticipated leaving the club. He praised the club for shaping both his professional and personal life, mentioning some of his memorable moments, such as his first goal against Liverpool, Villa's return to European competition, and his record-breaking goal tally. Watkins also thanked his managers, Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard, as well as coach Unai Emery, for their unwavering support throughout his time at Villa.\n\nWatkins' children were born at Villa Park, and he fondly recalled the special moments when his children watched him play and cheered for him and his family in the stadium. In his farewell message, Watkins reaffirmed his love for both Aston Villa and Birmingham, stating that they will always hold a special place in his heart.",
  "summary": "Ollie Watkins says \"Birmingham will always be home, and so will Villa\" in a farewell video posted on social media. The 30-year-old striker, who is Villa's record Premier League scorer with 91 goals, has completed a £51m move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The England international made himself unavailable for Villa's Premier League opener against Brighton last weekend, which Emery said…",
  "key_points": [
    "Watkins moves to Al-Hilal for £51 million",
    "Reaffirms love for Aston Villa and Birmingham",
    "Children born at Villa Park, fond memories"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}