An emotional Heurelho Gomes has told of how he couldn't say no to Watford, after watching a flurry of supportive video messages from friends and erstwhile colleagues.

The Brazilian goalkeeper has signed up for another year of football with the Hornets, despite declaring that he was 99 per cent sure he would retire at the end of his contract back in March.

In a video on the club's Youtube page, Gomes reacted to the well-wishers' messages before explaining why he found it impossible to turn down the offer of one more year at Vicarage Road.

"I couldn’t say no to the club because they did approach me again the way they did when I first signed for them," said the 38-year-old.

"I’m still feeling like I’m beginning.

"I’m still around for one more year and to be honest, I’m very happy to be here again. I thought it was the end, but maybe it’s just the beginning - maybe the best is still to come."

Among the people to send Gomes messages were former Hornets' coach Quique Sanchez Flores and team-mates Nathan Ake and Odion Ighalo.

However, perhaps the most poignant of the messages came from his compatriate and former Watford team-mate Richarlison, who described Gomes as being like a father.

"I just want to say what a special person you are and that you really are an important person in my life," said the now Everton striker.

"You were like a father to me there, you really looked after me. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t know what I would have done at Watford. You really helped me and you’ll always be in my heart."

Sanchez Flores described the goalkeeper as an "amazing human being" while Ighalo said he was an "inspiration".

Further outpourings of love and support came from Gomes' Brazilian team-mate, David Luiz, who thanked the Hornets' keeper for his service to the game. 

"I’m here just to praise you as a man and as a footballer because you were one of the best I’ve played with," he said.

"Not just because of your quality, because you’re a top goalkeeper playing around the world during many many years, but also because of your heart, your personality, your character.

"You’re a nice guy, so it was a pleasure for me to play against you and also together in the national team. Thank you for what you’ve done for us and for what you’ve done for football. Thank you for everything."

Gomes concluded by thanking those who sent messages and expressing just how happy he was to be staying on in Hertfordshire for at least one more year.

"It was very emotional for me [to hear from] these people who I’ve worked together with," he said.

"They mean a lot to me as well, so I want to say thank you to them. At that time, probably they thought it was going to be the end, like I did as well.

"I was 99 per cent sure, it was more than 99, but I gave one per cent and this one per cent, God works on it and he did again. I’m so happy. I’m so happy."