Troy Deeney has had countless messages of congratulations since Watford won promotion to the Premier League but there was one phone call that stood out; it was from Hornets’ honorary life president Sir Elton John. 

Watford's captain's phone has been inundated since Saturday with messages of good will, including one from Rotherham United boss Steve Evans. 

But it was a phone call from Beverley Hills in Los Angeles that will live long in the memory of the striker. 

"I was in the car on Monday with my mum and Elton John phoned me," Deeney, who was speaking to Hornets Player, explained.  

"That was a very surreal moment. My mum was buzzing as well, because he's obviously a legend and he was talking to her son.

“He passed on his best wishes. He's a little bit busy so he can't come to the last game - he's got a gig.

“He is going to sing out a few of his jingles to the people who will watch him and hopefully he will be there for the first game of next season, hopefully.

“He was buzzing too and he said some really nice things that I would prefer to keep between me and him.

"He generally passed on great messages to everyone. It was a nice touch. Up until he came to open his stand, I didn't even know he knew who I was so it was good fun."

Sir Elton was chairman when the Hornets embarked on their famous rise to the top tier of English football in 1982 under Graham Taylor.

He was also at the helm when the former England manager returned to Vicarage Road to guide them to play-off glory at Wembley Stadium in 1999.

Posting on his Instagram account, Sir Elton wrote the club is in the best shape it has ever been.

He said: “Congratulations to EVERYONE at the club!! – the managers, the players and all the back room staff. Also to the Pozzo family, for moving the club forward.

"It is in the best shape ever. And of course to all the supporters who have been magnificent all season. Today has been very happy for me, David and our boys.”