Unai Emery apologizes to Harvey Elliott over 'embarrassing' Aston Villa situation

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Elliott would have become a Villa player on a permanent basis for £35 million ($47 million) had he clocked up 10 Premier League appearances.Yet, he has managed just four outings in the league and nine appearances across all competitions, meaning he has seen precious little action under Emery this season, with Arne Slot confirming plans to return to Liverpool for pre-season.READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Salah return, Slot addresses future, Diomande admissionREAD MORE: Liverpool stars gather at restaurant for Mohamed Salah's farewell partyWith Villa's final home fixture of the campaign against Elliott's parent club, Liverpool, looming on Friday evening, Emery was pressed on the matter."To now explain about the reason for this decision is very difficult, or it is easy, but it is not the moment," Emery said. We have our responsibility and Liverpool have their responsibility.

"We'll be fair in case, because we are trying it, and I told him, we are opening the door to play with us, because he can help us.Aston Villa's Harvey Elliott(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)"But it's not only in my way and on my side. If they take off the clauses to play matches and for us to buy him, (I said to him) 'You are going to play here with us, it's a sport decision.'"But now it's a sport decision and a business decision.

My sport decision is still there, 'You are deserving to play, we need your qualities in the field, you are going to play.' But in case the clauses are still there, now it is Liverpool - they have the key."And I told him, it will be fair for him in case Liverpool take off this clause. And I know we are damaging him, because we got a deal with Liverpool in the summer and the deal is there, and we are respecting the decision and taking the sporting decision responsibly from my side."It can change for him, in case Liverpool take off this clause.