They didn’t want to let me go” – Watford player says Hornets have repeatedly blocked exit, but he’s happy where he is.
Watford’s Ken Sema has returned to the Sweden squad for the first time since Jon Dahl Tomasson was appointed as their manager in February.
The left wing-back’s last appearance for his country was in November 2023.
Sema will be eager to start against Azerbaijan in the UEFA Nations League later today. He had a chat with the Swedish media, relayed by Fotbollskanalen, and the discussion moved to a chat about his Watford transfer situation this summer.
The 30-year-old has now revealed he had opportunities to leave the Hornets in the summer window.
He received approaches from clubs in Italy and England. Sema hasn’t revealed the details of these teams, but Watford refused to let him leave.
“Every time there’s been interest and I’ve been able to go, they haven’t let me go. I have to take that. I have a contract,” he said.
The Sweden international has less than a year left on his deal. Despite the Championship side’s repeated refusal to sanction a move, he’s still happy to be at Vicarage Road.
“It wasn’t a given [to stay at Watford]. It was a bit special. The idea was that maybe I would move. But I’m very happy and they didn’t want to let me go. So, I ended up staying,” Sema explained.
“I’ve been there for a long time now. I’m appreciated and have a certain status in the team. I have two kids, I’m happy, I live in London. There is not much to complain about.”
The player joined Watford in 2018 and was on loan at Udinese during the 2019/20 season. With a deal expiring in 2025, Sema is keeping all options open for his future.
“I enjoyed my time in Italy. At the same time, I am open to everything. We’ll see what happens,” he added.
Sema has made five appearances for Tom Cleverley’s side this season.
