A defender bound for Watford FC has thanked his former club and its fans on social media.

Former West Ham footballer Jeremy Ngakia, 19, who is set to join the Hornets, said his formal goodbye when he took to Instagram on Sunday.

Free agent Ngakia, who turned down a contract extension to stay at the Hammers earlier this year, posted a message thanking the club which gave him his Premier League debut.

He wrote: “I want to say an enormous than you for all the love and support I received during my time at West Ham.

“I want to personally thank the manager for the opportunity he gave me to play Premier League football for the club, which was special – making my first team debut against Liverpool will stay with me forever.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the fans for the amazing support they gave me during my time at the club.

“I also want to thank everybody at the club who helped me along the way, particularly my teammates who supported me.

“I have learnt so much from you all and I will never forget my journey.”

He ended his post by tagging West Ham before adding the hammer and pick emoji and a red heart.

Ngakia is set to become the Hornets' first addition of the close season as they begin to build for life in the Championship.

The 19-year-old can also play in midfield, but has mainly been deployed as a right back during his time with the Hammers.