Lazaar: “This Is A Big Chance & I Want To Take It”

New signing Achraf Lazaar said he received a ringing endorsement about what Watford has to offer and its ambitions from a fans' favourite.

Lazaar, the Moroccan international left-back, joined as a free agent on a deal until the end of the season, with the option of a one-year extension held by the club, and revealed he got the lowdown on the club from Fernando Forestieri, the former Watford forward who Lazaar crossed paths with during a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday in 2019.

“I spoke with him as we are like brothers,” said Lazaar. “He told me, 'You have to go there as they are a big team and they will value you so much'. He was so happy. I'm so happy for him. He is in Udinese now and I hope to see him again. He is such a funny guy, is always positive and gives you so much in the dressing room. He's an amazing person and a fantastic player.”

Lazaar jumped at the move to Vicarage Road after being released from his contract at Newcastle United.

“I'm so happy to be here,” he said. “Watford are a big club and from the first moment I heard they want me as part of the team, I was so happy. This is a big chance and I want to take it. I like to help the team and give everything I have. I want to work hard and give everything: tackling, speed, crosses and shooting. I want to help the team to win. I am ready.”

Lazaar is a familiar face to Owner Gino Pozzo and Sporting Director Cristiano Giaretta having enjoyed the best spell of his career at Palermo in Italy.

“They already knew me from Italy,” said Lazaar. “The president is ambitious and him and the Sporting Director gave me big confidence and it's a big compliment to be part of this team. The president always wants to win and he likes hard work. He likes serious people and if you work hard, you will be part of his family. I'm so glad to be here and I'm ready to give 100 per cent and everything for the team.”