Former Watford defender Daryl Janmaat has retired from playing to take up a new role at the club where he first made his name.

The 32-year-old, who made his debut for ADO Den Haag in 2007, returned to the Dutch club after leaving Vicarage Road at the start of 2021, and will now become their technical manager despite having one year left of his playing contract.

Janmaat told the club website: “ADO Den Haag truly is my club, and I have not regretted a single second of my return to the club one and a half years ago.

“Although I still had a player contract for one season, I was doubting whether I wanted to keep playing. My ambition is to stay active and involved in the world of football, but in another role.

“When I received the opportunity to take on this role at ADO Den Haag, I did not have to think long about my decision. I am very happy with this fantastic opportunity, and I would like to thank the club for the confidence that they have placed in me.

“To carry out this job, I will be able to rely on my experiences in the world of football and the network that I have built throughout my professional playing career. This is an ideal next step for me.”

After leaving Den Haag, Janmaat played for Heerenveen, Feyenoord and Newcastle before joining Watford in August 2016.

Capped 34 times by the Dutch national team, Janmaat made 87 appearances in all competitions for the Hornets for whom he scored some memorable goals.