The reaction to our emotional Forestieri farewell story

There was a mixture of sadness and humour on Twitter yesterday following our exclusive with Fernando Forestieri. The outgoing forward even sent us a text message last night, saying ‘Thank you for the article’ after being so overwhelmed with the well wishes from Watford fans.

We take a look at some of the best (and worst) tweets, starting with that Marmite Italian journalist.

Does anyone believe in what Forestieri said in his interview? — Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) August 31, 2015

This upset Forestieri who sent us the following text message. ‘Can’t believe it. Why would I lie about that.’

Giulianelli, who works for Radio Yorkshire, continued his defence of compatriots Massimo Cellino, the Leeds owner, and Watford consultant Nicola Salerno.

Forestieri's interview is disrespectful towards Leeds and their fans. A backstage: Salerno would have like very much if him would have gone. — Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) August 31, 2015

This response made us chuckle about Cellino, a man who has been in a legal dispute with Watford legend Nigel Gibbs.

Phil Hay, the well-respected reporter at the Yorkshire Evening Post , is extremely well connected at Leeds and the reaction to him sharing our story summed up the feeling in Yorkshire.

@PhilHayYEP someone is telling porkys — MMW GREEN SOLUTIONS (@mmwgreen) August 31, 2015

Watford Talk always provides good entertainment on Twitter and the actions of Forestieri warmed his heart.

Forestieri's parting gift of rejecting Leeds and signing for their rivals epitomises the entertainment value of the man. — Watford Talk (@WatfordTalk) August 29, 2015

Yet it all sunk the heart of others. Notably, here…

… and here

The sale of Forestieri has affected my mental state, I hate football 💔 pic.twitter.com/LGhzKNTYgv — Danielea James (@_DanieleaJames) August 29, 2015

The exit of Forestieri came on the back of the departures of Jonathan Bond, Daniel Pudil, Daniel Toszer and the likely exits of Gabriele Angella and Matej Vydra.

Just feel like the whole #watfordfc team that we have grown to love is disbanding before our very eyes! Trying to keep Pozzotive but… — Goats milk soap (@itsbaaathtime) August 31, 2015

Some felt the reaction to his departure was a bit over the top.

Forestieri and Pudil being lauded on Twitter as if they were Elton John and GT combined 😭🔫Seriously kids, just say no to drugs. #watfordfc — Stuart Levy (@stulevy1) August 29, 2015

Others felt it was a refreshing change in this mercenary era.

Forestieri crying when he left Watford proves there are still players that care about their clubs. Hope he does well. #watfordfc #swfc — Daniel Hayden (@DanielHayden_) August 31, 2015

But this final one summed up the lovely mix of wit and emotion that you can, if you dig deep enough, you can find on Twitter.

The Forestieri crying reports from @WDSport_ are the saddest thing since Tom Hanks lost Wilson in Castaway #watfordfc http://t.co/78EbAr9oYU — Luther Biscuit (@lutherbiscuit) August 31, 2015

Incase you missed it (if you did, where have you been?) you can read our story with Forestieri by clicking below:

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