Ollie Watkins has accomplished his £51m move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal from Aston Villa.
The 30-year-old striker, Villa’s file Premier League scorer with 91 objectives, joins on a three-year deal.
In six years at Villa, Watkins performed a vital function within the membership’s rise underneath supervisor Unai Emery as they established themselves as common top-six challengers and gained the Europa League, their first European trophy in 44 years.
The England worldwide made himself unavailable for Villa’s Premier League opener towards Brighton final weekend, which Emery stated Watkins apologised for.
“Firstly, I would really like to say, by no means did I intend, nor did I think about, my time at Aston Villa would finish this manner,” Watkins posted on social media.
“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 via so many ups and downs in my six seasons right here, however one factor that has by no means modified is that I’ve given the whole lot for this membership.”
Emery stated he had “small tears” as he said goodbye to the “improbable” Watkins – the latest in a series of Villa exits this summer, with Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne all departing.
At Al-Hilal, Watkins joins Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, who departed West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League.
“From my first objectives within the 7-2 win over Liverpool to getting the membership again into Europe, the Champions League nights at Villa Park to that unforgettable night time in Istanbul and turning into Villa’s file Premier League goalscorer,” he added.
“It is an achievement that I by no means thought can be doable once I signed for the membership.
“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.
“My two youngsters have been born right here, and to see them stroll on to the pitch and see you followers sing my title in entrance of them and my household is one thing that can at all times stick with me eternally.
“Birmingham will always be home, and so will Villa.”