William Troost-Ekong has described Watford’s promotion to the Premier League as one of the best days of his life.
The centre-back instigated some much-needed conversations after a drab 0-0 draw at Coventry earlier in the season, sparking a run of 16 matches from which the Hornets picked up 13 wins, taking them back to the top flight.
Speaking to the club website after the game, the Nigerian struggled to put into words just how much the moment meant to him.
“It’s amazing. I can’t really put words to it now,” said Troost-Ekong.
“It’s one of the best days in my life and in my career so far. We worked so hard for it and now we’ve done it, so I’m really pleased for all the boys.
“Credit to everyone from the backroom staff, to the media staff, to the manager, to all the physios, to the owner, to everyone. It’s amazing and it’s been a team effort.
“A lot of the time when you have a relegation it’s difficult to pick yourselves up. Everyone at the club did amazing to give us the best chance and now we’re here, so we’re all really happy.”
The defender enjoyed a drink and a cigar to celebrate his achievements, something he feels was much deserved after a long, difficult season.
“It’s crazy in there [the changing room],” he said. “I had to step out for a minute just to catch my breath. There’s a lot of partying and I think deservedly so. So much hard work has gone into this, so this is the pinnacle.
“I think we have to enjoy it because you don’t get moments like this very often. At the start of the season everybody said we wanted to do it, but it’s one thing saying it and another thing actually doing it.”