Tom Rosenthal's agent has stressed the attacking midfielder left Watford to secure regular first team football and not because of an ill family member.

Dean Rosenthal, the player's agent and brother, acknowledged "a private family matter" was a factor in the deadline day move to Belgian side SV Zulte Waregem.

But he wanted to alleviate concerns of friends and family by making it clear that a family illness was not the sole reason he left the Hornets.

Watford did not want to sell the second-year scholar but stated last night they reluctantly agreed to let the midfielder leave so he could be close to an ill family member in Belgium.

A message was posted on Rosenthal's athlete Facebook page early this morning, claiming to be from the 17-year-old, which said there should be no concern for an ill family member and said Watford's comment that he moved due to the illness was not true. The post was deleted later this morning.

Watford standby their statement that they reluctantly allowed Rosenthal to leave "so he can be close to an ill family member in Belgium."

His agent Dean Rosenthal said: "It has been stated that Tom has completed the move due to him wanting to be closer to an ill family member in Belgium. To clarify, this is not entirely true, although part of the reason for the move did concern some private family matters.

"Watford is a club he loves, he has been there since he was ten years old and would not rule out a move back in the future. However, a big reason why we accepted the terms of SV Zulte Waregem is because Tom was promised first team football in the Belgian Pro League; a great experience for a 17-year-old to show what he has to offer."

Rosenthal has signed a two-year professional contract with Zulte Waregem.

We understand the Hornets had not offered Rosenthal a professional contract until it was clear there was interest from other clubs.

But the Golden Boys always wanted to keep the talented scholar and asked if a loan agreement could be agreed, so Rosenthal could go to Belgium but remain a Watford player.

However, Dean Rosenthal said: "A loan move was not possible because Zulte Waregem were only keen on a permanent transfer. There were several clubs who expressed an interest but we were keen on joining Zulte in particular because the manager, Francky Dury, has a good vision for the game and is playing a lot of young players at the moment."

Below are videos of a couple of Rosenthal's memorable goals.