Former Hornets head coach Quique Sanchez Flores has thanked the “lovely family that Watford FC is”, has called on all connected to the club to “stay strong” and says "you'll always be in my heart" in an open letter following his departure.

The Spaniard’s second spell at Vicarage Road was ended today when he was sacked following the 2-1 defeat to Southampton.

However, he has thanked the club and fans in an open letter published on the club website. It reads as follows:

I would love to say a big thank you from my heart for the appreciation, respect and support that I’ve felt in each moment I’ve lived in the lovely family that Watford FC is.

This is not the time to think about individual feelings, it’s time to have a collective reaction.

Peacefully, for having taken the risk needed for someone and something I love: Watford FC and football.

Hope, passion, fight, commitment, effort, hard work and luck.

Drop by drop, until we achieve it.

I wish you all the best. Stay strong!

You’ll always be in my heart.

Quique Sánchez Flores