Jackson: I want to score a lot of goals

Nicolas Jackson is looking forward to rekindling his connection with Unai Emery at Aston Villa. The Senegalese striker worked under the Villa manager at Villarreal before they both made Premier League moves, with Jackson joining Chelsea in 2023. And now, after two seasons in west London and one at Bayern Munich, the 25-year-old believes this is the right move, right coach and right club for him.“He (Emery) was a big factor when I arrived in Spain,” reflected Jackson “He’s been very important to me since the beginning; he’s always asking about my family. “He developed me in Villarreal, and I’m very happy to be here and working for him again. “We will work and try to push together as always, trying to achieve things together like we did in Villarreal. “Hopefully this year we will achieve many things, and for many more years to come as well.” He added: “With the coach, I’ve known him for a long time. With him calling me and from talking to him, he explained the project to me. “I like the project so much, and that’s why I’m here. Hopefully we can do a lot of things together.”As well as his relationship with Emery, Jackson finds a few familiar faces in the dressing room at Villa Park. The forward has played with Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen and Leon Goretzka, and he’s looking forward to achieving things with his new teammates. “Hopefully we can win many games and trophies as well because that’s what every player wants to do,” he said. “I want to score a lot of goals for the team as well. Hopefully we can achieve that and win some trophies. “I will bring my spirit, fighting for the badge, fighting for the coach, as I always do. “That’s what I want to bring, and to score some goals as well. I’m very happy to be here.” The transfer brings to an end a steady stream of rumours linking Jackson with a move to Villa Park, and he’s delighted that it has come to fruition. “I’m very happy because it’s a massive club,” he said. “I’ve been looking forward to joining here for a few years. I’m very happy that I’m here finally. I’m ready to work.”