Watford defender Gabriele Angella has signed a new five-year contract with the Hornets.

The centre-back arrived at Vicarage Road from fellow Pozzo-owned club Udinese in the summer of 2013 and has become a mainstay of the Golden Boys defence.

The 26-year-old has made 81 appearances for the club, including 36 last season as the Hornets sealed promotion to the Premier League.

Since his arrival at Watford two summers ago there have been constant reports that the Italian has been itching for a move back to Italy. The latest of which came in January.

However, speaking after the Golden Boys had clinched their place in the top flight for the forthcoming campaign, Angella declared he was happy at Watford and had no desire to head back to his home country.

He told the Watford Observer: “Playing in the Premier League was the first dream I had when I came to Watford. That was the project.

“I want to stay here at Watford but we will see what happens. In football you never know but I want to stay here and play in the Premier League.”

He added: “I like it so much here in England. The stadiums are always full and very loud. English football is my type of football.”