Rose: “I’m Raring To Go”

By: Watford FC Staff

Danny Rose is ready for a new challenge at Watford and feels grateful for the opportunity to play Premier League football again.

The 29-time England left-back joins the Hornets off the back of a difficult end to his 14-year association with Tottenham Hotspur, where he reached a Champions League final and achieved several top-four finishes. He's delighted that a deal which has been rumoured for several years has finally been completed.

"There's been interest in the past and it’s just never happened," said Rose.

"I’m over the moon that I’m here, considering the year that I’ve had. I’ve not played for a while so I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity again."

Rose is an established Premier League name, appearing in the top flight 194 times, and he is looking forward to adding to that tally with the Hornets. A conversation with Watford owner Gino Pozzo helped bring the 30-year-old to Vicarage Road.

"He said that he wants to be the one that puts me back on the map," said Rose.

"He said Watford have been big admirers of mine and the fact that he was willing to give me an opportunity considering [I've had] a year of not playing any senior competitive football, I’m grateful and I fully intend to repay him for as long as I’m here.

"I’m keen and I’m over the moon that I’m here. I was possibly looking to go abroad but I’ve been given an opportunity to play in the best league again and I intend to take it with both hands."

The past year hasn't been easy for Rose at Tottenham, but he reflects on the situation with positivity.

"I’ve been training with Tottenham’s Under-23s but I made the best out of a bad situation and that experience has been one of my favourites throughout my career," he said.

"Everything since I was 17 has put me in good stead, helped me to achieve 29 England caps and I was part of one of the big clubs in England for a long time, so I hope it’s something I can add to the lads here and the whole football club."

This won't be Rose's first spell at Watford, having spent a loan stint at the club in 2009, when he made seven appearances.

"That loan move came off the back of a five-month injury. I think I made my debut against my home town Doncaster, and scored one of the best own goals you’ll ever see [against Norwich]!

"It wasn’t the best loan spell I’ve had but I learned a lot from it and got to play under one of the best managers [Brendan Rodgers] in the Premier League, and in Europe and the world at the minute, and it was an experience that I’ve learned from."

Looking forward to the season ahead, Rose is excited to play in front of the Watford supporters, recalling the loud atmosphere when travelling to Vicarage Road with Tottenham.

"I used to play here against Watford for Tottenham and the fans once the place is rocking are different gravy," said Rose.

"I think this season is going to be exciting. I spoke to the people upstairs and they’re looking to make additions to the squad. I have no worries about where the club’s going to be and I’m over the moon and raring to go."

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