Moussa Diaby has officially completed a transfer to Al-Ittihad and has said goodbye to Aston Villa on social media.
After weeks of speculation, Moussa Diaby’s move to the Saudi Pro League has become official as the Frenchman has joined Al-Ittihad.
Aston Villa struck a profitable deal to offload the 25-year-old after just one year, with the race now on for Monchi and Unai Emery to locate a replacement.
It’s a shock for many to see Diaby part ways with Villa so prematurely following his 19 goal contributions in his first season over 2023/24.
Moussa Diaby says goodbye to Aston Villa after completing Al-Ittihad transfer
The former Bayer Leverkusen forward departed after a year to move to Saudi in a deal worth £50m.
Diaby will now join up with the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho at Al-Ittihad, penning a farewell message to Villa as his transfer was announced.
On Instagram, Diaby posted a lengthy goodbye with the caption “Thank you for everything”, with his message reading:
“Villans, thank you for everything. It’s time to say goodbye. I’d like to thank the club, the team members, the staff and everyone working at Aston Villa.
“I’ve always given my best to help the club and the team, and we’ve had some great moments that will stay in my memory. We’ve had a fantastic season, with moments of joy and happiness.
“Together, we’ve achieved our objectives. The club will be playing in the Champions League next year and I wish them success. It’s a season I will remember forever.
“Villans, I won’t forget you.”
Not many would have predicted that Diaby would depart so soon after arriving in B6, with players and fans flooding the comments to say goodbye to the forward.
Villa players react to Diaby’s farewell message
The general consensus from supporters is one of confusion, as the Frenchman is about to embark on a journey to Saudi after a fairly encouraging first season in England.
Diaby’s goal contributions will be sorely missed and will require replacement but for now, some of his teammates have taken the time to bid him farewell.
- John McGinn: What a guy will be missed
- Leon Bailey: All the best brother
- Matty Cash: All the best bro
- Lucas Digne: All the best
- Morgan Rogers: Gonna miss you mon garrsss
Al-Ittihad confirmed his transfer after the forward was rumoured to have linked up with his new club during their training camp in Spain.
On joining the Saudi Pro League side, Diaby admitted he was “thrilled to join” the club as it was confirmed he will wear his favoured number 19 shirt.
Everyone associated with Aston Villa will wish Diaby the best in his next adventure.
