Udinese forward Fernando Forestieri has become the first of the 12 Pozzo-owned loanees to join Watford permanently.
The 22 year-old attacker has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Hornets after impressing during an initial loan spell.
After making his Hornet’s bow as a substitute against Bolton Wanderers in September, Forestieri has made 12 N.Power Championship starts with two further substitute appearances, scoring three goals.
Speaking to the Official Watford Site, Forestieri was delighted to have signed for the ‘Orns:
“I`m unbelievably happy to be signing for Watford.
“I have enjoyed the town and the club so far, as well as the support of the fans.
“Life feels good at Watford and it feels like home.’
Forestieri began his career with the famous Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys before moving to the Boca Juniors youth setup at just 13 years of age for a fee of $50,000.
In 2007, Forestieri made his professional debut for Genoa, scoring on his debut in a 2-1 defeat to Pescara.
It was to be ‘Fessi’s’ only goal and appearance for Genoa before subsequent loan spells to Serie ‘A’ outfit Siena and Serie ‘B’ side Vicenza.
After notching six goals in 38 games out on-loan, the 5’7 forward moved to Udinese in 2009 and was immediately loaned out once more, this time joining La Liga outfit Malaga.
Forestieri spent the 2009-10 season at la Rosaleda, scoring once from just five starts with the Spanish outfit.
Next up was a loan move back to Serie ‘B’ side Empoli, with three goals from 17 starts preceding another loan move to Bari, where the Italian youth international bagged two from 23 league starts.
Despite being born in the Rosario region of Argentina, Forestieri has won 26 Italian youth caps across the U17, U19, U20 and U21 age-groups, scoring nine goals for his adopted nation.
An instant hit with the Hornets supporters after a precise finish at Huddersfield Town in September during a memorable comeback and virtuoso display, Forestieri has proved something of a pantomime villain with opposing fans.
A red card against Charlton Athletic in the following game was the fourth of his short career which has brought him 20 yellow cards – three more bookings than he’s scored goals to this point.
He is, though, undoubtedly a fine talent, the likes of which we would not have had the pleasure of enjoying in a Watford shirt without the tie-up with Udinese and Granada.
Welcome to Watford, Fernando.
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