Watford FC confirms that long-serving defender Christian Kabasele has completed a permanent transfer to Italian outfit Udinese, for an undisclosed fee.
The move brings the curtain down on the 32-year-old’s seven-year stay at Vicarage Road, which yielded 166 appearances and seven goals, as well as several significant off-field contributions.
A July 2016 arrival from KRC Genk, Kabasele’s debut season in England was somewhat hindered by injury, but still saw him make 18 domestic appearances in all competitions as well as his senior international bow for Belgium.
The following year he featured 28 times in the Premier League, finding the back of the net against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. He also won the club’s prestigious Community Ambassador award in 2018 for his work away from the playing arena.
After a further 48 top-flight games across the next two campaigns, and having helped his team earn an Emirates FA Cup final place in 2019, Kabasele appeared 20 times to help the Golden Boys bounce back up from the Sky Bet Championship in 2020/21, while he claimed the Community Ambassador award for a second time that May.
Kabasele regularly featured during the second half of the 2021/22 Premier League season, making 16 appearances. Back in the Championship for 2022/23, he scored one goal - in the penultimate game against Sunderland - in 25 outings.
September 2022 also saw Kabasele presented with the Community Champion award by the Professional Footballers’ Association - further recognising his efforts in and around the local area, including being an ambassador for the Women of Watford FC supporters’ group - while in the same month he played his 150th game for the Hornets, against Blackburn Rovers.
Addressing supporters upon his departure, Kabasele said: “The time has come to close this chapter of my life. After seven beautiful years here for me and my family, it’s time to say goodbye.
“I just want to say thank you for the way you welcomed me, and for making all of us feel part of this beautiful club and town. Together we’ve created a lot of memories.
“A lot of things spring to mind - obviously the FA Cup final was huge, and it was a pleasure being an ambassador for the community. There were some tough moments as well, but all the time I felt only love.
“I came here as a young defender, and now I leave as a man with two kids who have grown up as Watford fans. This is just goodbye for now, and I hope to see you all again soon.”
Thanks for everything Kaba, and all the best for the future!
