Inter Milan winger Ashley Young has told Watford’s official club podcast Golden Tales he would “walk from Italy” if it meant he could rejoin the Hertfordshire club.
Young made 107 appearances overall for the Hornets, helping the club earn promotion to the Premier League for the 2006-07 season before spells at Aston Villa and Manchester United.
‘I would walk from Italy right now’
Speaking to Golden Tales as reported by the Daily Mail, the 39-cap England international said: “If I could go back and play there (at Watford) again, I would walk from Italy right now.
“It’s what I know, it’s where I come from and it’s what allowed me to be who I am and get where I am.
“It gave me a humble beginning.”
Young’s time in England
The 35-year-old developed through the youth ranks at the Hertfordshire outfit. He made his senior debut against Millwall on 13 September 2003, scoring in the game. It was the first of three goals in five appearances for the winger in the second tier that season.
The following campaign he played 34 times as Watford finished 18th in the Championship. The next season, the Stevenage-born winger scored 13 league goals as the club made the play-offs. The Hornets eventually earned promotion to the top flight after defeating Leeds United in the play-off final.
Young joined Aston Villa in January 2007 for an £8 million fee. He spent three and a half years at the Midlands club, making 190 appearances, before signing for Manchester United for a reported £17 million.
He won five titles in eight and a half seasons at Old Trafford. Trophies included the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield.
Young joined Serie A side Inter Milan in January 2020.
Interest in London
The versatile Nerazzurri midfielder was also linked with Premier League moves to West Ham United and Tottenham during his fledgling Watford career.
At the time Young indicated he wanted to remain at the Hornets, explaining: “I loved everything about the club. To this day, I love everything about the club. It’s what I say is home for me.”
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