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'Disappointed' - Unai Emery reveals true feelings about Jhon Duran after £65m transfer

Jhon Duran completed his big-money move to Al-Nassr from Aston Villa on Friday

Former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran
Former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran(Image: PA)

Unai Emery admits he is a little disappointed Jhon Duran chose to leave Aston Villa for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Villa accepted a bid of £65m plus add-ons for the Colombia international after he stated his desire to start a new chapter in his career. Despite only starting seven matches in all competitions, Duran scored 12 goals for Villa this season including a memorable winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.


"I can be disappointed a little bit," Emery admitted when asked about Duran's choice to depart. "My thoughts always his improvement here can give him the opportunity to play as well. Maybe in Europe with some of the best teams in the world.


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"But Saudi Arabia, they are improving a lot. They are paying well. They are increasing the level of the league. I accept some players leave for there. Personally, I worked with him, trying to involve him here. Each player is different, different culture, different education.

"It’s difficult to get the same feeling from different players. I accept it. I can be disappointed myself. I have challenges with the players who are here with us. Hopefully, in two or three days’ time we can enjoy two or three more players with us."

Emery added: "It helps a lot but the decision [to leave] was more for him [Duran]. He decided he preferred to leave. Of course we tried to work with him for two years here, trying to get the best from him, working hard every day with him.

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"Our commitment was high commitment to work and to try to improve and he did it, but at this moment he decided to change his way and at the end we accepted because the deal was good.

"We keep going of course. We have to be intelligent always, trying to get the best decision by being intelligent. We can’t only think of ourselves, but also the players, who have the last decision. We have to accept some things or try to refuse some things as well but in this case it was a good deal for everyone."

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