On October 12th, Watford confirmed they had “reached agreement” with Daryl Janmaat to terminate the defender’s contract and allow him to leave Vicarage Road on a “free transfer”.
The right-back had two more years left on his contract, but the Championship side allowed him to leave the club with immediate effect.
He was restricted to only seven starts last season and all of them came in the first half of the season. The 31-year-old was struggling with a knee injury in November 2019 and hasn’t featured for the Hornets since then.
Algemeen Dagblad interviewed the Dutchman, and asked about his decision to leave Vladimir Ivić’s side. When discussing it, the fullback also revealed why he’s spent so much time away from the pitch.
“In good mutual consultation, we have decided to end the collaboration after four years,” he said.
“I’ve had an unpleasant season. A normal injection into the knee caused an infection. The joint later had to be rinsed again, followed by a period of antibiotics.
“Fortunately that is all over, I train daily again and feel fit. It was time for a new step in my career. I really want to play football for a few more seasons.”
The former Newcastle United man is looking for a new club, but will have to convince interested parties that he’s ready.
Having not featured in this calendar year, it was no surprise that AD asked the player about his current fitness.
“I am free to come and go as I please. I have been training with a physiotherapist for some time now, the knee is okay. If a club is looking for a defender, I’m ready,” Janmaat explained.
“I am really in the last weeks of my rehabilitation. I feel like I’m getting stronger. Now I’m waiting to see which club comes my way.
“I’m not in a hurry, in the sense that I’m just going to sign somewhere because I want something. I can take my time, I’m curious which clubs are interested.”
