Ollie Watkins' wife, Ellie, shared her emotional reaction to the family's sudden relocation to Saudi Arabia, following the English striker's £51 million transfer from Aston Villa to Al-Hilal.
Ellie, 30, described the move to Riyadh as a shock, noting the rapid changes in life due to her husband's football career. "I think I'm still in shock to be honest like how life can change so quickly but that is the joys of football," she said in an emotional TikTok video.
The couple, who have been with Aston Villa for six years, are moving with their two young children, Amara, five, and Marley, three. Ellie admitted her "heart is hurting" at leaving behind the life they had built in England, where she had settled and made close friends.
"I've always actually said how lucky I think we are because we've been at Villa for six years which in football terms is actually quite a long time," she stated. "We've had our children there, we've had quite big life events so it feels bittersweet to me. I loved my life there, I settled so well and made the most amazing friends."
Despite the sadness of departing familiar surroundings, Ellie expressed excitement for a "change of scenery" and believes the move will be beneficial for their children. "Once we are settled and we know what we are doing, it will all be good. Getting on with our new life in Saudi so exciting times," she added, also acknowledging a sense of nervousness similar to when they first moved to Birmingham.
In a separate Instagram post, Ellie reflected on cherished memories from their time at Aston Villa. "Anyone that knows me knows how emotional I am, my heart is hurting as we end the most amazing 6 years at Villa," she wrote. "We had our beautiful babies here, made friends for life and have a built a life here that I will always be so grateful for."
She also expressed pride in Ollie's career progression and character. "Watching Ollies career progress here has been so special. I’ve watched some of the highest highs and been there through all of the lows too. I couldn’t be prouder of how much he’s achieved but most importantly the person he has remained through it all," she stated. "I’m so grateful for the amazing people we’ve met along the way and the friendships we’ll take with us. It’s the end of our most amazing chapter. Now it’s time for a new adventure."
Ellie's sentiments echo those of Taylor Ward, wife of footballer Riyad Mahrez, who also found the transition to life in Saudi Arabia challenging after her husband's transfer to Al-Ahli. Ward's struggles were documented on the reality show "Married To The Game," where she expressed the difficulty of adapting to a new life and not having a choice in the matter.