After four years in the football obsessed city of Naples Miguel Britos needed a change. He wanted a more relaxed environment for his family. So when the defender was offered a move to Watford this summer he didn’t have to think twice.

His time at Napoli was over. The Uruguayan, his wife, his daughter and their golden retriever left the south of Italy and relocated to leafy Hertfordshire.

And four months later the 30-year-old couldn’t be happier with his decision.

“In Napoli there is a lot of pressure,” the centre-back explains. “Life is not easy for the players. You can’t go out with your family, you can never relax. The supporters are crazy for the players’ pictures and they always want to talk.

“That is football in Naples. Four years at Napoli is like 20 years at Watford. I am very happy to come here. I need this life. It was not very hard to join.”

But things didn’t exactly go to plan for Britos. He missed pre-season as he wasn’t able to obtain a visa. And he was unable to play in Watford’s first two Premier League games due to suspension.

He was forced to watch on as Craig Cathcart and Sebastian Prödl established a burgeoning centre-back partnership.

Britos had to bide his time but was handed his first start in the Capital One Cup tie at Preston North End. It was a game to forget for the defender. He was sent off and handed a three game suspension.

Yet again Britos had to stay patient. He didn’t kick up a fuss and twice asked to play for Watford’s Under-21s in order to gain match fitness.

“I think playing for the Under-21s was the best thing I could do,” he says. It proved a wise choice. Britos was thrust into the starting XI at Stoke City October 24 and hasn’t looked back.

“I was very calm and relaxed before the Stoke game as you can’t get more pressure than playing for Napoli,” he says. “In England it is more physical, players are stronger and taller. Maybe I need to work more in the gym.

“Players in Italy fall with minimal contact. It's too easy to get a yellow card. Referees here are more lenient. I like the Premier League because you can have more contact.”

After starring at the Britannia Stadium Britos has started the subsequent four Watford matches. He has looked assured and has quickly built a partnership alongside Cathcart.

“I find myself playing very well with Cathcart,” he says. “The more games we play the better we will be. The day I play with Prödl I will play with him without any problems.”

He adds: “The Premier League is difficult but we are doing our best. One day Watford can maybe play in the Europa League but, for now, it is just important we stay in this league.

“The main objective is to stay in the league but if we train hard and win games then who knows what the future is.”

When speaking to Britos it is hard to believe he is the same person who received back-to-back red cards for violent conduct.

He is humble, polite and his English – thanks to two lessons a week – is quickly improving. But he admits he “transforms” when he takes to the pitch. He enjoys the atmosphere of a match-day. The passion of the supporters, something he says he didn’t expect from the Golden Boys faithful.

“The Napoli fans are very loud and this is well known,” he explains. “I was very surprised when I came to Watford because, with all sincerity, they are always singing.

“They are always supporting us home and away, especially away. At Bournemouth and Stoke it was very good. “In Italy the fans tend to insult the rivals more. Here they support their team and have more respect.”

It isn’t only the fans who have impressed Britos. As with the rest of the Hornets squad Quique Sanchez Flores has made an impression on the defender.

“He's very professional. He communicates with us what he wants us to do on the pitch. You can speak with him, no problem.”

So Britos is settled. He is happy in England, is enjoying playing in the Premier League and likes working under Flores.

There is no reason he can’t produce his best form for the Golden Boys. And if he does, surely there will be a chance of earning that elusive first cap for his country?

“I don' think so because the coach (Óscar Tabárez) doesn't like me,” he says. “I played in Italy for seven years and he never calls me and never text me. Other players have a chance but not me. I don't know why.”

That oversight will undoubtedly benefit Watford. During the international breaks Britos hasn’t had to travel half way across the world to play in World Cup qualifiers.

He has been able to train with his teammates and has had plenty of time to relax. Which is exactly what he wanted.