Mariappa’s made up after moving home

Adrian Mariappa feels like the prodigal son returning home after signing back for Watford on deadline day.

The former Hornet left Vicarage Road for Reading in July 2012 and then moved to Crystal Palace the following summer.

But after being released by the Eagles at the end of last season, Mariappa has re-joined his boyhood club at which he spent the first seven years of his career.

And the 29-year-old – who was one of two deadline day deals for Watford alongside Chelsea loanee Kenedy – admits it did not take long to make the decision.

“I’m delighted to be back. This is home for me so I’m utterly delighted to get the deal done,” said the Jamaica international.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“As soon as the phone calls were made, for me, this was the only place I wanted to come.

“When you’re at a club from the age of eight, even when you go away home is where the heart is, so coming back was definitely an easy decision for me.”