Troy Deeney admitted Watford’s promotion to the Premier League made him cry for the first time in five years.

Deeney captained the Hornets to promotion today following their 2-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion, due to Middlesbrough and Norwich City’s failure to secure victories.

The 26-year-old endured a difficult couple of years when he suffered four bereavements in a short space of time, which saw him drinking too much, and when he was sent to prison for affray three years ago.

But speaking to BBC London tonight, Deeney said: “No joke, I haven’t cried in about five years but I was crying today. It has been a massive turnaround personally and to be with a group of guys who have absolute respect for me – and vice-versa – it has just worked out perfectly.

“It is the first time I have cried in about five years. I am very happy and very proud and it is on to the next week now to win the league.”

Watford lead Bournemouth by four points, with the Cherries playing Bolton Wanderers in their game in hand on Monday night.

The Hornets know victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday will see them return to the top flight for the first time in eight years as champions.

Deeney told BBC London: “We will enjoy the next two days and after that I want the title. I am not one of those guys that settle for second; I will make sure my team are ready to go to win it.

“Without being disrespectful to the other teams, I think we deserve it. Like you said, we have had four managers this season, a lot of turmoil and a lot of changes and we have worked hard every single day.

“Now we want to go to win the title because that is something that nobody can take away from you. It would be nice to have that [winner’s medal] in the house.”

Watford’s team coach was pulling into their training ground when they heard news of Fulham’s late winner over Middlesbrough. With Norwich City drawing at Rotherham United, the final whistle at Craven Cottage secured the Golden Boys’ return to the Premier League.

Mexico midfielder Miguel Layun videoed the moment Watford were promoted and posted it on his Twitter page.

Deeney confirmed what we could all see; it was “wild” and “crazy” on the team coach.

The players and staff – including those from the club’s media department and kitchen – all celebrated together at their London Colney base before heading to Zincos restaurant in Watford.

Deeney praised the impact of head coach Slavisa Jokanovic and said his change of formation and substitution in just the 26th minute – as Scotland wing-back Ikechi Anya was taken off in favour of Hungarian midfielder Daniel Tozser – meant he deserved “massive credit” for the Brighton win.

The striker, who scored his 21st goal of the season today, also wanted to highlight the club’s supporters.

He said: “All season they have been top draw. They sold out again with 3,000 (3,199) here today and were top, top draw so this is a mention from the lads because we really appreciate it. Hopefully they are enjoying it as much as us.”

You can hear Deeney’s interview with BBC London in full on their Audioboom site here.

You can read Slavisa Jokanovic's views on the club's promotion here.

Former head coach Beppe Sannino also expressed his joy, which can be read here.