Skip to main content

Midfielder Mario Suarez Leaves Watford for China After Disappointing Stint in Premier League

  • Author:
  • Publish date:

​Watford midfielder Mario Suarez has joined Chinese Super League club Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng, according to ​reports.

The former Atletico Madrid man made 17 appearances in all competitions for the Hornets during the 2015-16 season before being loaned out to La Liga side Valencia for the following campaign. 

STEVENAGE, ENGLAND - JULY 14:  Mata Mario Suarez of Watford  tackles Dale Gorman of Stevenage during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Stevenage and Watford at The Lamex Stadium on July 14, 2016 in Stevenage, England.  (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

STEVENAGE, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Mata Mario Suarez of Watford tackles Dale Gorman of Stevenage during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Stevenage and Watford at The Lamex Stadium on July 14, 2016 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

After failing to cement himself in Watford's strongest team, it appears new manager Marco Silva is happy to let the 30-year-old leave and ​Sina Sports has reported that Suarez has joined the Chinese club.

Suarez was signed by former Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores in January 2016 after a spell at Fiorentina, but the Spain international failed to scored a goal during his time at Vicarage Road.

​Guizhou are currently 11th in the Chinese Super League and have former Premier League striker Nikica Jelavić, Kenya international Michael Olunga and ex-Dundee United defender Ryan McGowan on their books.

Valencia's midfielder Mario Suarez (L) vies with Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the Spanish league football match Valencia CF vs Real Madrid CF at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on February 22, 2017. / AFP / JOSE JORDAN        (Photo credit should read JOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Valencia's midfielder Mario Suarez (L) vies with Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the Spanish league football match Valencia CF vs Real Madrid CF at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on February 22, 2017. / AFP / JOSE JORDAN (Photo credit should read JOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images)

A statement released by the club read: "Hopefully, he will integrate with our team as soon as possible, making a contribution to Guizhou football and Zhicheng football club with his rich experiences and splendid skills."

Suarez was part of the Atletico Madrid side that beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga title during the 2013-14 season, making 17 league appearances as Diego Simeone's team won Spain's top division by three points.

He traded the Vicente Calderon Stadium for the Stadio Artemio Franchi as he joined Italian outfit Fiorentina in 2015 and Stefan Savic went the other way, but only stayed at the club for six months before joining Watford.

Suarez's game time would have been restricted by the signings of Will Hughes from Derby and Tom Cleverley from Everton, with Valon Behrami and Etienne Capoue also at the club.

​​