Influential Watford midfielder Almen Abdi has signed a new three-year contract with the Hornets.

The 28-year-old’s previous deal expired next summer but Abdi announced this afternoon that he has agreed a new contract which will run until 2018.

Abdi has become a popular player amongst Watford fans following his arrival from Udinese, initially on loan, in the summer of 2012.

He played 43 times during his debut season in England, scoring 12 goals. It was, however, his elegant and effective style that captured the imagination of Hornets supporters and he received the Watford Observer 2012/2013 Player of the Season award.

Abdi made a permanent switch to Vicarage Road in July 2013, signing a three-year contract. But the Professor - a nickname given to Abdi by Gianfranco Zola, cut a frustrated figure during the campaign.

The Swiss maestro suffered from plantar fasciitis, a problem with the sole of his foot, throughout the season. He was restricted to just 16 appearances in all competitions.

The 2014/2015 campaign saw Abdi overcome his injury woes. He played 33 times and struck nine goals as Watford clinched promotion to the Premier League.

In total, Abdi, who has previous played for Le Mans and FC Zurich, has made 92 appearances for the Golden Boys and has scored 23 times.