Valon Behrami’s long expected departure from Watford has been completed after he joined fellow Pozzo-owned club Udinese.

The Swiss international midfielder has moved to the Serie A outfit on a two-year deal, with the option of a third year, after leaving for an undisclosed fee.

Signed from Hamburg in 2015, the 32-year-old made 49 appearances for the Hornets and had spoken of his desire to move on since the end of last season.

Marco Silva confirmed Behrami’s future lay elsewhere following the pre-season draw at Aston Villa.

The Watford boss said: “Valon is working on the training ground but he’s one player who won’t stay with us.

“It’s time for him to find other solutions in his career, and we will see where he will play, but he will not stay in our squad.”

Udinese director general Franco Collavino said following the transfer: "There was the will of Udinese to bring in a player with these kind of characteristics and with this experience in Serie A, where Behrami himself wanted to return to. 

"This is an important purchase for improving our technical expertise and expertise, and is an investment for this season and the project we are pursuing."