Image source: Getty Images
Troy Deeney claims Arsenal approached him about a possible transfer following Watford’s relegation, but the striker’s refusal to apologize for a controversial remark thwarted the move.
Former Watford striker, Troy Deeney has revealed that he was on the verge of joining Arsenal after his club’s relegation from the Premier League, but a past comment he made about the Gunners prevented the move from happening.
Deeney made headlines during the 2017/18 season when he accused Arsenal of lacking “cojones” (courage) after Watford beat them 2-1 at Vicarage Road. This comment sparked a feud between Deeney and Arsenal fans, and it resurfaced when Arsenal approached him about a potential move in 2020.
Following Watford’s relegation, Deeney revealed that Arsenal reached out to him with an offer to join the club. However, they asked him to apologize for his previous remark as a condition for the transfer. Deeney, standing by his statement, refused to apologize, which ultimately led to the collapse of the deal.
In a recent podcast appearance, Deeney discussed the situation, saying, “You know I was close to signing [for Arsenal]. The year I got relegated. We lost at Arsenal, 3-2, me and Welbz (Danny Welbeck) scored, we could have probably beaten you, it was that COVID year, behind closed doors. We got relegated on that day, this is at Arsenal, and everyone was like, ‘Ahhh cajones!’ and whatever, ‘Shut your mouth man.’ Then, back in training, I’m just on the bike because my knee isn’t right. Someone from Arsenal calls, like, ‘Yo, would you go Arsenal? But what you have to do, you have to apologise for that comment. I said I wasn’t going to apologise for that.
Deeney’s refusal to apologize for his past comment highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and standing by one’s words. While the potential move to Arsenal could have been a significant opportunity for Deeney, his commitment to his principles ultimately led him to join Birmingham City instead.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings