When Alessandro Diamanti joined Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande in February 2014 he spoke about starting a new adventure which could prove to be the experience of a lifetime. Eighteen months later he joined Watford.

So what went wrong in the Far East for the now 32-year-old? “There were a lot of changes in the first year,” the Italian international reflected through a translator on Saturday. “The coach changed. They changed the team.”

When the attacking midfielder agreed to relocate to China from Bologna, Guangzhou were managed by Italian World Cup winning manager Marcelo Lippi. It was a big factor in his decision to make the move.

Diamanti enjoyed his first six months at the club and was joined by Italian international and friend Alberto Gilardino. Together, under the guidance of Lippi, they helped Guangzhou to their fourth straight Chinese Super League title.

But in November 2014, Lippi retired from management. He became the club’s director of football with Fabio Cannavaro placed in charge of the side. Three months later Diamanti left Guangzhou and joined Fiorentina on loan. He was soon followed by Gilardino.

“Together with Gila, I found myself out of the team. I wanted to change,” he explained.

His loan at the Viola ended this summer. Diamanti didn’t want to return to China and was searching for another club when he was approached by Watford.

“I had a lot of other offers from other teams,” he admitted. “But I spoke to (Valon) Behrami because I wanted to return to the Premier League. It is a great and fascinating league. When Watford made me an offer I spoke to Mr Pozzo and accepted straight away. I did not think twice.”

Diamanti spent almost three weeks training with his Hornets teammates before the move was officially confirmed.

His season-long loan deal received international clearance last Friday and the Italian international went straight into the Hornets squad.

He was named on the substitutes’ bench against Southampton but, with the game goalless at half time, was introduced at the break.

He clearly wasn't match-fit but his technical quality was evident. He delivered teasing set-pieces and excellent crosses. And he will only improve.

“I started [pre-season] a bit later in respect of my teammates but I am working very hard to get into my best shape possible,” he said.

“All the staff and my teammates are helping me and for that I want to thank them. I hope to get 100 per cent as soon as possible to give my best contribution to the team.”