Nearing the end of his footballing career, Valon Behrami has expressed a desire to leave Watford. This isn’t a personal decision against the Hornets merely a desire to be closer to his family in Switzerland.
Arriving at Watford in 2015 from Hamburg, ex-West Ham midfielder Behrami, who spent five years with the Hammers, has revealed he’s already in contact with Sion about a move to the Swiss Super League.
Kosovo-born but Swiss raised, Behrami, 32, currently has one year remaining on his Watford contract and the suggestion is he’ll not be looking to extend his stay at Vicarage Road. But he did confirm he’ll abide by the Hornets’ decision.
Quoted by the Sun he said: ‘I have had discussions with Sion, and there is something serious going on with them. Joining them would be a challenge for me, and I have never yet played in the Swiss Super League. I want to play for a club either in or nearer to Switzerland, as I’d like to live in Lugano with my family. I have told Watford that I want to move, and they will decide what happens. But I will accept whichever decision they take, as I get on very well with them.’
The Switzerland international, who began his senior career at Lugano and has also played in Italian football for Genoa, Fiorentina and Napoli, is now looking forward to an extended summer break as Behrami rests his body and mind.
His next and potential final contract will need ‘serious thought.’
Behrami added: ‘I now hope to have four weeks off. I need this time for the sake of my mind and my body, as this last season hasn’t been the easiest. The next contract I sign will probably be my last, so I have to give it serious thought.’
If Europa League qualifiers Sion match the asking price there’s every chance Marco Silva would allow Behrami to leave as the Watford boss will almost certainly be lining up midfield arrivals of his own.
