‘I don’t want to stay at Watford,’ insists Niang

M’Baye Niang says that a permanent move to Watford does not interest him for ‘personal reasons’.

The former France U21 international joined the Hornets on loan from AC Milan in January and scored twice in 16 Premier League appearances.

The deal that brought Niang to Vicarage Road reportedly includes an option for Watford to buy the player for £13.5m this summer but while the 22-year-old enjoyed his first taste of English football, he hopes that his future lies away from Watford.

“I owe a lot to the club that gave me a chance to play in a different championship, to experience a new mentality, and that allowed me to play as regularly as I would have liked to,” Niang told L’Equipe.

(Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“But even if Watford have an option to purchase that the management wants to activate, I do not see myself staying there. And that is only for personal reasons.

“I have given myself time to reflect. I weighed up the pros and cons and despite the great opportunity offered by Watford, I do not think my future lies there.

“I ask them to be understanding and accept my decision, which is irrevocable because I will not change my mind.”