Former Watford goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis has reflected on a difficult time on loan with the Hornets during the 2017/18 season.

The Greek shot-stopper was drafted in from fellow-Pozzo owned club Udinese on the final day of the summer transfer window, but was not used until November of that season.

However, after taking time to settle in to his new surroundings, the then 32-year-old felt he impressed during his 15 appearances for the club.

"Every new player who arrives at a new club needs a bit of time to settle down," he said.

"And for a goalkeeper it is even more difficult than for an outfield player because it is such a unique position. As a keeper you either play or you don't whereas defenders, wingers and strikers can be rotated throughout the season.

"I joined Watford very late, it was almost September, and did not do the pre-season with the squad. On top of that it was a new experience for me and I had to get used to many new things, such as a new league and way of thinking. So I needed time to be able to showcase my skills, but when I was finally given the opportunity I did just that. Things went very well for me at Watford in the end and I think I did well on the pitch."

Regardless of his time waiting for a starting berth behind then number one Heurelho Gomes, Karnezis claims he was experienced enough to not let it get the better of him.

"Experience is paramount for a goalkeeper. Only through experience you can keep your cool and balance during times when you are only the number two," he said.

"A player's career lasts between five and 20 years so you need to stay calm when things do not go to plan and not overreact and feel sorry for yourself."

Karnezis is one of a long list of players to have played for both Pozzo clubs, Watford and Udinese, with plenty of players making the trip from one club to the other.

However, he believes the ownership is the only thing in common between the two sides and that, culturally, they are very far apart.

"Barring the chairman [Gino Pozzo], Udinese and Watford have got nothing in common," he said.

"The two teams are totally different and feature in a totally different league and country.

"It is not right to compare the two teams, it is totally inaccurate in fact. The board of the two teams does its best to ensure everything is perfectly organised. And the organization at both clubs is therefore spot on. But I repeat: Udinese and Watford having nothing in common."

Although Karnezis believes that the Premier League has the edge over Serie A in terms of quality, he admits he felt more settled in Italy, given the similarity in lifestyle and cultural heritage it shares with his native Greece.

"The Premier League is the most competitive league in the world because until the very last day teams can fight for survival or for a better position in the league table," he said.

"Every team in England has quality players and the big budget of English teams ensures club can buy great players at every transfer window.

"But I really liked life in Italy, which is normal if you come from Greece. We are very close in everything that's why if I have to choose I will say that life in Italy suits me better than life in England."