Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure was linked with a move to Arsenal over the summer but the player doesn’t think there was any truth to the rumours.
According to numerous media reports, Watford had placed a £40m price-tag on the midfielder’s head and Arsenal’s name was never far from the gossip columns when he was discussed.
Part of the problem was his comments back in February when he declared he preferred Arsenal over Spurs. From there, it was easy to link him with a move to Arsenal after an impressive season with the Hornets. Goals against Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United, as well as two assists against Chelsea and powerful performances, ultimately saw him rewarded with a new Watford deal until 2023.
“There was a lot of speculation in the summer but I was focused on Watford and my football. I don’t think all the speculation was true,” he said.
“I’m very happy to have my new deal with the club and to be part of this project.
“We’ve won four games [in a row this season] and I’m very happy here. I want to put my level as high as possible this year.
“I was always focused on Watford.”
That last bit, however, may not be entirely true. Taking to Twitter at the end of last season, he seemed to be gearing up to say goodbye.
Doucoure wrote that this “last game at The Vic is the best time to thank you fans and be grateful of what we achieved”. The whole message had a ‘farewell’ tone to it:
Today is the last game at home of the season. Our place in Premier League stays uncertain until it’s done, but I’m confident Watford will be there next season. We will do our best. We always fought and worked hard to get through the bad streaks. 1/2
— Abdoulaye Doucouré (@abdoudoucoure16) May 5, 2018
For me, it’s been an incredible season here at Watford. The club gave me the chance to play at the highest level and to improve a lot. I believe this last game at The Vic is the best time to thank you fans and be grateful of what we achieved, for now, together. #COYH 2/2
— Abdoulaye Doucouré (@abdoudoucoure16) May 5, 2018
Although the message wasn’t explicit in telling supporters he’s going, Watford fans certainly seemed convinced that the message meant their midfield maestro is on the way out:
In other words……. bye
— Kevin Robins (@SimmoWFC83) May 5, 2018
Goodbye Doucs 💛🖤
— Will (@DeuIxfeuV2) May 5, 2018
Sounds like this is a goodbye, thanks for the memories 👍🐝
— James (@batchiej) May 5, 2018
Thanks for the memories doucs👍🏼
— Tim (@timwfcmay) May 5, 2018
DON’T LEAVE ME
— Aadil (@aadilsham) May 5, 2018