The love for Joao Pedro among Watford fans is certainly reciprocated by the player himself, and he has taken to social media to express his feelings on the day his move to Brighton has been confirmed.

Pedro was just a young boy when he moved to England from Brazil but he leaves an established senior player that everyone connected with the Hornets can feel proud of.

On Instagram, Pedro said: “I wanted to thank @watfordfcofficial for all the love and care they have always shown me since I arrived.

“Today I leave with my head held high, knowing that I always gave my best for the club.

“Thanks to all the Watford fans for the love you’ve always shown me, just know that I appreciate you all.

“But now it’s time to look for new challenges!!”

The young forward has a tremendous rapport with the Watford faithful, and it will be strange to no longer hear the ‘Always Believe In’ song to the tune of Spandau’s Ballet’s 80’s hit Gold echoing round Vicarage Road or the various away ends.

When I spoke to him back in September, Pedro talked about the difference being looked after by the club, and supported by the fans, had made to him after leaving home and moving to a different country and continent.

“I feel part of a family,” he said in that exclusive interview.

“Every single person at the training ground has shown me a lot of care and affection, and I believe that isn’t just for what I do on the pitch but also for the kind of person I am.

“I also think I have a relationship with our fans. I hear the songs with my name when I am on the pitch and I do my best to give back the love they give to me.

“When I am out on the pitch I am trying to repay the good feelings they give me. I hear the songs, I feel the love and I truly appreciate it.

“Since I came here as a young boy, this is what Watford and the fans represent: one big family.”

To read the full interview with Joao Pedro from earlier in the season, click here.