Player explains why he had to leave Watford – Wasn't prepared for reaction

03/19/2025 05:16 AM

In the winter market, Ken Sema left Watford and completed a permanent move to Pafos FC.

The Sweden international lost his place at Watford in the final months as Tom Cleverley left him out of the squad since the end of November.

He’s already made 11 appearances for the Cypriot club and is currently with his national team.

Fotbollskanalen interviewed the 31-year-old, and he revealed Malmö FF also wanted to sign him in the last window.

The wing-back also explained why he chose to leave the Championship club in January. He spent his playing career in Sweden before joining Watford from Östersunds FK in July 2018.

After spending more than five years at Vicarage Road, he wanted a new challenge. This was the reason why he decided to move to Cyprus.

“It came to a point where I wanted a different challenge. I was there for many years and had a very nice time. I could have extended it too, but I felt I wanted to take a different step,” he said.

“There were a few offers from a few different places but overall, in Cyprus it was very good for me. I am happy with the decision.”

The Swede made 176 appearances for the English club, managing 13 goals and 21 assists in the process. When he decided to leave, he received appreciation from both Watford and their supporters, with the former even describing him as ‘King Ken’.

Sema was allowed to say goodbye to the fans, and this clearly meant a lot to him.

“It was huge. Really. I’ve been there for a long time and seen great players leave but not get the same thing that I got,” Sema explained.

“That’s a bit like what I’ve done. I had a great time both on and off the pitch. I think the fans and the club have felt my love for them. That I was a player who always gave everything. It was incredibly nice. I appreciate it incredibly much. It was emotional. It was huge.”

Fotbollskanalen specifically asked Sema whether he was ‘prepared’ for such a reaction from Watford.

“No, actually I wasn’t. When I said goodbye to everyone, they called from the club in the evening and said they wanted to do something for me. I didn’t really understand at first what it was. Then I realised pretty quickly what it was about. It was really great,” he added.

“It was really special. I’m quite big there. I don’t think people really understand how big I am there. It was incredibly nice to be called king and so on.”

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