Guedioura: ‘Watford Was Always In My Heart’

Adlene Guedioura made a shock return to Watford yesterday, and said that Watford was always in his heart.

The Algerian was one of three deadline day signings, and has been consistently linked with a permanent return to Vicarage Road over the summer, and to many Watford fans’ delight, the midfielder signed a three year deal with the Hornets yesterday, arriving from Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee.

As deadline day drew closer and closer, it was looking like a deal to bring the twenty-nine year old back to where he belongs was becoming ever so feeble, but Guedioura says his heart was always in Watford and set on a return, and as the Hornets missed out on the opportunity to strike a club record deal with French midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, he was back home.

“Physically I was in South London but heart and my mind was at Vicarage Road,” the former Nottingham Forest man told Hornets Player. “This is what I really wanted. I just bringing my body and meet my heart here.”

He added, “It was really stressful. I was waiting for so long. I never wanted to put in my mind that I would not come here. I had to fight for that. It was a good end. I really wish to look forward and good things happen in the future.”

Guedioura had a very impressive spell with the Hornets last season when he played a part in their promotion campaign, making seventeen appearances in two combined loan spells, scoring three goals, however quite a bit has changed, with a change of management and several squad changes.

“It`s the same place, the same people around, even if it`s new players and a new manager. I`m excited to start and show what I can to the manager. I`ve heard good things about the manager, and I want to show him he will be happy with me.”

WD Sport reported earlier on in the season that the Algerian had several offers to join other clubs, which included Championship outfits Bristol City and QPR, but he was specifically holding out for an approach from the Hornets.

“I never had so many offers in my career. I feel really flattered but I only wanted to move if it was for Watford. It was my wish and now it`s a reality.”

Guedioura is Watford’s third addition this season in the midfield, joining Valon Behrami and record signing Etienne Capoue.

Victor Ibarbo and Obbi Oulare sealed their expected moves to the Hornets on deadline day, alongside Guedioura.