Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has revealed how a potential move to Arsenal fell apart in 2020 due to his refusal to apologize for controversial comments he made about the club.
Speaking on the Filthy Fellas podcast, the 36-year-old reflected on his career, including the near-miss transfer to the Gunners following Watford’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Arsenal Approach
Deeney recounted how Arsenal expressed interest after Watford’s relegation in the COVID-affected 2019/20 season. During the campaign’s final match, Watford lost 3-2 to Arsenal, sealing their drop to the Championship. Despite scoring in the game alongside Danny Welbeck, Deeney’s previous remarks about Arsenal’s lack of “cojones” in a 2017/18 match lingered in the background.
Troy Deeney said:
“Someone from Arsenal called and said, ‘Would you go to Arsenal? But you have to apologize for that comment.’ I wasn’t going to apologize.”
His 2017 criticism, delivered after Watford’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, had fueled animosity among the Gunners’ fanbase.
A Spurs Opportunity with Mourinho
The same summer, Deeney attracted interest from Arsenal’s North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. Then-manager Jose Mourinho considered him as a back-up option to Harry Kane.
Troy Deeney explained:
“I was driving to the south of France, and my agent calls to tell me Watford wants to move me on. Then Spurs reached out. Of course, I’d speak to Mourinho—who wouldn’t? It’s Jose Mourinho!”
Deeney was willing to accept a secondary role behind Kane, saying:
“I’m nowhere near as good as Harry Kane, but there are certain things I can do that he can’t. I would’ve been happy playing Europa League matches and supporting Harry.”
However, Tottenham ultimately secured Carlos Vinicius on loan, leaving Deeney to remain at Watford for another season.
Post-Watford Career
Deeney stayed with the Hornets for their promotion push before moving to Birmingham City in 2021, where he spent two years. He later took on a player-coach role at Forest Green Rovers, which ended in January 2024 after his dismissal.
While reflecting on his career, Deeney remained unapologetic about his outspoken nature, which has both defined his playing days and shaped his legacy as a no-nonsense leader on and off the pitch.
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