Watford confirm they are still seeking compensation from Everton over Marco Silva nine-months after approach
The two clubs negotiated out the £44m deal for Richarlison to move to Goodison Park - but there is still work to be done to repair relations
WATFORD have released a statement saying that they are standing by their complaint to the Premier League over Everton's approach for Marco Silva.
The Toffees came in for the Portuguese gaffer in November last year, but this was rejected by the Hornets.
But in January this year Silva was sacked, with Watford standing by their opinion that Everton's approach led to the untenable situation.
The Hornets released a statement on their club website this morning.
It read: "In pursuing its disciplinary claim, the club has known from the outset it forfeited any right to compensation as a consequence of not following a proposed arbitration process.
"We believe this situation is not about a compensation figure but the principle of making a stand when the actions of one Premier League club completely undermine and cause intrinsic damage to a fellow member club."
Watford's Statement In Full
"Watford FC feels compelled to make the following statement in a bid to correct erroneous and misleading media reports concerning an ongoing dispute with Everton FC.
The club have made an official complaint to the Premier League over an allegation of an illegal approach to former manager, Marco Silva.
The complaint to the Premier League makes clear the seriousness of the allegation and what the club believes is overwhelming evidence of a clear breach of Premier League rules.
At the request of the Premier League we entered into mediation with Everton in a process that involved club officials and their respective legal teams, with no conclusion being reached.
Therefore the disciplinary process continues. In pursuing its disciplinary claim, the club has known from the outset it forfeited any right to compensation as a consequence of not following a proposed arbitration process.
We believe this situation is not about a compensation figure but the principle of making a stand when the actions of one Premier League club completely undermine and cause intrinsic damage to a fellow member club.
We trust in the Premier League to fully investigate the complaint and we will comply with that process.
The club will be making no further comment."
The two clubs have gone through a failed mediation and the Hornets are still pursuing the disciplinary process, despite selling Richarlison to the Toffees for £44million this week.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Richarlison admitted the chance to work with Silva again was too good to turn down.
He said: “I want to have a lot of success with Everton. I think it’s going to be important for me here to be with Marco Silva again. I will learn more because I am still learning as a player and I am to develop and grow here.
“Everton have put their faith in me and I intend to honour this shirt and demonstrate on the pitch why I came here. I’ve known the manager for a while obviously, so I know how he works.
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“I developed really well with him while he was with me at Watford. It was really good working with him and one day I believe he can help me to be selected for Brazil in the full national team.
“But that is for the future and my present is here with Everton. I want my dreams to become a reality here at one of the biggest clubs in England.
“I want to score more goals, provide more assists for my teammates and help in whichever way is possible.
"Everyone in the world knows Everton. It’s a very big club, one of the biggest in England as I said. I am really happy and honoured to be here.”