Ighalo will always have Hornets fans in his heart despite China exit

Odion Ighalo insists Watford will always be in his heart, after leaving for the Chinese Super League.

Ighalo joined Chinese outfit Changchun Yatai for £20million on transfer deadline day after struggling for form with the Hornets this term.

Despite this season not going to plan for the Nigerian striker, he did notch 39 goals in 100 appearances during his time at Vicarage Road.

Photo credit: Getty Images

And while his tenure may not have ended how he would’ve liked, Ighalo had nothing but praise for the club’s fans.

“A special thanks to Watford fans, who I really hold dearly in my heart because they supported me since the very first day I came to this club to the last day,” said Ighalo.

“Even when things weren’t going well for me, they were still there chanting my name beside me. Though things don’t always go the way you want in life you have to keep moving and working hard.

“Some of them were not happy because the goals did not come as they want. I understand them because I’ve done it in the past and they want to see it again.

“I’m sorry for that and I’m sorry it didn’t work out the way it should be but I’m really happy to have been associated with this Watford family and wherever I go, to China or whatever, I’m still going to hold the fans dearly to my heart because they have always been there for me.”