Nyron Nosworthy believes his decision to sign for Watford shows “money is not everything” and the defender is delighted to be returning ‘home’.

Nosworthy completed a permanent move to the Hornets this week after a hugely successful two-month loan spell at Vicarage Road.

The 31-year-old had been frozen out by former Black Cats boss Steve Bruce and despite new Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill saying he was keen to run his eye over the player, Nosworthy decided he wanted to move to Watford.

Nosworthy still had six months left to run on his contract with the Premier League side and usually players can command more money when they are free agents but Nosworthy backed up his recent claim that first team football is his main priority.

He said: “Money is not everything and I am most happiest when I am playing football and doing well.

“Although money does help, it isn’t everything. I am much happier to be here and be at a club where people want me around and to be part of something moving forward.”

Nosworthy was born in south London and started his career at Gillingham, where he made 199 appearances before moving to Sunderland in 2005.

The defender was Player of the Year as Sunderland were promoted to the Premier League in 2007 and was given a new contract in 2010, despite falling down the pecking order under Bruce.

Two lengthy loan spells at Sheffield United followed and Nosworthy admits moving closer to his family was a huge attraction to making the switch to Watford permanent.

He said: “Moving back near London was a big factor. I have been away from home for a good while now and being closer to home so I can see my family and enjoy the simple things is a big factor. It is a win-win for me.”

Nosworthy’s loan finished at the weekend but he remained in the south as a transfer was already on the cards, as Watford had initially proposed a permanent switch a few weeks back.

He claims the move “worked for all parties” and says he is “over the moon” to have completed the transfer, even if he has not been guaranteed a starting spot with Martin Taylor returning to fitness.

Nosworthy said: “I have not been assured a first team place but if you do the business, then the football takes care of itself.

“Every player should try to thrive on competition. If that had been a problem for me, then I wouldn’t have signed for Sunderland back in the day.

“As far as I am concerned, healthy competition helps push the team forward.”