Miguel Layun says the lure of competing in the Champions League was a key factor in his decision to leave Watford on loan for FC Porto this summer, however, the Mexican international would be more than happy to return to Vicarage Road next season.

The 27-year-old’s departure in the closing days of the transfer window came as a shock to many Golden Boys supporters given the wing-back’s involvement in Watford’s first-team under Quique Sanchez Flores this season.

Layun started and scored in the Hornets’ Premier League opener at Everton and featured in three further matches in August.

However, with Watford keen to cut down the number of foreign players at the club in order to comply with Premier League squad regulations, Layun was allowed to depart for the Portuguese side.

He has quickly established himself as a regular in the Dragons’ first-team and helped Porto complete a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Champions League last night.

And, speaking after that game, Layun discussed his reasons for leaving Watford after only eight months at the club.

“When you have the chance to play Champions League, it is something more,” Layun told the Independent.

“You don’t have many chances in your life to play in this tournament. So when I received the call from Porto I said yes. It was one of my dreams to play in the Champions League and now I am living that dream.”

He added: “Quique was an impressive mister [manager], he’s a very good guy and knows a lot about football.

“He spoke with me but it was a situation that made me take this option. It was important to play in the Premier League but life can change in one minute. I decided to take this new adventure and try to do it well.”

Layun, who became a father this summer, made 21 appearances for Watford in all competitions before departing for Portugal.

But he expressed his gratitude to the Hornets supporters for the backing he received during his time at Vicarage Road.

He said: “I can say thank you to every Watford fan because they give me everything (their support) in the matches I played for Watford. I am enjoying it here in Porto but I have not moved permanently.

“If I have to stay here I will enjoy it, if I go back to Watford it will be a very nice moment.”