Ex-Middlesbrough and Sunderland striker completes move to Watford

The 25-year-old striker was a free agent after leaving Boro and will officially become a Watford player on July 1, the length of his contract has not been revealed.

At Boro, Fletcher scored 28 goals in 108 appearances over four seasons.

Earlier this week, Fletcher opened up on his Middlesbrough departure and says there are no regrets or bad blood following his exit.

Fletcher, whose 2020/21 season was blighted by injury, was offered a new deal at Boro in December but decided to assess his options, before the decision was taken out of his hands.

That news came out after Boro boss Neil Warnock had commented about cliques in the dressing room, though it’s understood Fletcher wasn’t someone who was creating problems.

During an interview with BBC Tees Sport, the forward explained his side of the story: “I was offered a new deal around Christmas time.

“As a 25-year-old Championship striker that’s getting to a dangerous time for the football club because from January I’m free to speak to other clubs. So I felt a little bit let down by the club.

“We’d spoken earlier in the season but agreed to wait until a little bit later to see what was happening because I was injured as well.

“So in a way I had a little bit of power in terms of what I do going forward with my career. I’m 25, English, had a decent season the year before, so it’s obvious you’re going to attract interest.

“The ball was in my court. I was injured at the time and I just said to the club I wanted to come back and get myself fit and we’d speak at the end of the season. I had that power in deciding where to go because I was on a free transfer.

“I did want to stay at Middlesbrough, but other things come along and you have to take a look at it as well.

“Ultimately, the decision was kind of taken out of my hands. But there are no regrets and no bad blood.”

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