Watford’s latest acquisition Britt Assombalonga is excited to have returned to where his career started, after signing a six-month deal with the Hornets.

Having risen through the youth ranks at London Colney, Assombalonga left for pastures new in 2013 and went on to enjoy several successful seasons in English football, making more than 300 appearances and scoring over a century of goals.

With his footballing journey having come full circle, the prolific striker is eager to get to work.

“I’m very excited to be here,” Assombalonga began. “When I got told about the opportunity, I was over the moon and just wanted to get it over the line. Now I’m here, I’m looking to kick on.

“The move has been going on for a while, and being in a different country - it was difficult. Going back and forth, taking 10 suitcases on the plane, but getting to Watford to get everything over the line – it was perfect.

“Everyone’s sent me loads of nice messages, it’s crazy. To have that much love from people is amazing. As a person you always want to take on challenges, this is a new challenge for me and I’m ready to take it on.”

Reminiscing on his first spell as a Hornet, Assombalonga played four times in yellow before departing for Peterborough, notably making his debut at Vicarage Road against Coventry City in March 2012.

He continued: “I was in the Trust’s Centre of Excellence and got the opportunity to come on trial at Watford, did well and signed.

“The first call I got was when Sean Dyche was the manager. He called me to say that he wanted me to go on loan to Wealdstone. I was still able to train with the first-team, I did well on loan and got called back.

“I went back on loan to Braintree, scored five in five and came back the next day to find out I was in the squad. The next thing I know I’m starting!

“[Against Coventry City] I had a chance to score a header, I still remember it to this day. I should have put it down, but things happen for a reason. My shirt is still hung up in the house from that day.

“I felt like I grew a lot at Peterborough under Darren Ferguson, and I felt it was the right choice to leave and show myself. I had a really good time there with so many good memories, but I was only there for nine or 10 months, then I was on the move again.”

Back in the Sky Bet Championship, after stints at Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough, and a spell in Turkey, the DR Congo international is looking forward to reconnecting with the Watford faithful back at The Vic.

He added: “It’s going to be a moment to remember, and I’m sure all my family will want to be there so I need to get a load of tickets for them. I can’t wait.

“I’ve followed Watford since I left, seeing them grow in the Premier League. My message to the fans is I’m going to do my best, carry on pushing and hopefully be back in the Premier League.”