DANNY WELBECK has left Watford for free just a year after joining – with the club confirming his exit in a blunt 39-word statement.

The former Manchester United, Arsenal and England striker was earning £100,000-a-week.

But after relegation from the Premier League, the Hornets can no longer afford his wages.

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A statement on Watford's official website confirmed Welbeck is off – but was noticeable for its sharp tone and highlighting that he managed only three goals.

The statement read: "Watford FC confirms that it has reached an agreement to allow Danny Welbeck to leave on a free transfer.

"Welbeck featured 20 times for the Hornets last season, scoring three goals.

"We wish Danny every success in the future."

Welbeck, 29, had a strong end to the season after recovering from a hamstring injury that he sustained in October.

It was hard for the striker to build momentum after getting injured, returning to the team in February only for that to be curtailed by the coronavirus lockdown.

But he played all nine of the Hornets’ last matches post-lockdown, producing strong performances and scoring two goals.

A number of Premier League clubs have enquired about the player and he has also attracted interest from abroad.

Welbeck wants to play top-level football and with Watford hit by relegation and no gate receipts it was decided to let him move from Vicarage Road for free.

SunSport told you in August how Southampton were among the clubs looking to bring in Welbeck.

The Saints let record buy Guido Carrillo leave for nothing yesterday after the flop striker failed to score a single goal in three years.

Welbeck had also been linked with a move to the Super Lig in Turkey.

Fenerbahce and Besiktas were rumoured to be interested in signing him but it is thought a concrete offer is yet to arrive.

Welbeck is yet to play a game for Watford this season, who have won two of their opening four games in the second tier.

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