Former Watford defender Younes Kaboul has opened up on his shock Sunderland departure in 2016.

He admits he had to leave for his family.

In quotes carried by the Newcastle Chronicle, the former defender said: “Basically, it was for my family. I had the social life there everyday with the lads in the dressing room. It wasn't a problem for me, but for my family it was difficult.

“They never came to me and said they weren't settling, but I had to notice it myself. I had to make a decision.

“We had pre-season in Austria and Watford contacted my agent to say they wanted me. I told him to take it. I wanted to go back home for my family.

“I don't really like to speak too much about this because there wasn't a reason really to leave. The last season went so well.

“I was gutted. I was kind of like depressed to leave the football club. I knew I wasn't just leaving the football club, I was leaving the city and the people. So it was really difficult for me.

“I made the transfer request to the club and initially they said no. I told them, 'look, it's nothing to do with football. It's family reasons'. Eventually they accepted and I respect that."