Head coach Quique Sanchez Flores brought the curtain down on the Premier League campaign of 2015/16 against Sunderland on Sunday and also his time at the club.
With Watford confirming that he would depart this summer despite having largely comfortably secured survival in the Premier League this year following Championship promotion – admittedly the second half of the campaign hasn’t lived up to the first – a two all draw at Vicarage Road with Sunderland was his final game in charge.
Speaking to the Official Site in his post game press conference, Flores admitted it had been an emotional day for him, but it was all credit to the fans for the way they welcomed him to the club and supported him during his time with us.
‘I am completely happy. I have felt the support from the fans all the season, but in this last moment it has been amazing. At this moment I feel a little bit sensitive and emotional with the reception of the Watford fans, and I say thank you to them.’
The point secured on the day means that Watford finish the season sitting in 13th place in the table, and Flores was adamant that despite his departure, there was plenty for the fans to be unbeat about going into the new campaign.
‘In terms of results it has been a really good season and it has provided the club with a base for the future. It is difficult for a team just promoted to enjoy the experience of the first year, but we did. We had a competitive team and we’ve achieved a good position and a lot of points, so there are a lot of reasons to be very happy.’
Reflecting on his time at the club, he ended by saying he would only leave with fond memories.
‘I have appreciated the opportunity Watford gave me to train here for the first time in the Premier League, and I have enjoyed the experience. It has been an important year for the future of the club, and it will be impossible to forget my time here.’
Nathan Ake joins Flores in leaving this summer as well, as with the final game played, his loan spell expires and he returns to parent club Chelsea.
Speaking himself at the final whistle, he also spoke of his enjoyment at being with the club this year – making 28 appearances in his spell with us.
‘It was quite a good game. We had a lot chances in the game and they did too. Of course you want to win, but a draw is okay. They have a lot of runners up top and when the keeper took the ball, he wanted to look for the strikers. We knew that would happen and we tried to do our best, but I think it was an open game, and quite entertaining as well.’
Thanking the fans in the lap of appreciation as well as the curtain was brought down on the season, he went on to say.
‘It was really great, they`ve been here through the good and bad times but it`s always full here, and it was good to be able to thank the fans. I`ve really enjoyed my time here, it`s been a great experience. I`ve made mistakes, but I`ve also done good things, and I will take everything on board for next year and try to improve. I want to say thanks to everyone who gave me the chance to prove myself here.’
