Heurelho Gomes may still have a part to play in Watford's search for a first major trophy but the popular Brazilian appeared to say an emotional farewell at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
The 38-year-old says he is '99 percent' certain to retire at the end of the season, having played as understudy to manager Javi Gracia's first choice keeper Ben Foster.
He has played throughout the FA Cup run, however, and it is possible he could keep his place for the Wembley semi-final after helping his side beat Crystal Palace 2-1.
There is every chance Saturday might have been his last home game for the club though and the bald-headed Gomes spent several minutes on the pitch at the end milking the cheers of the fans after plucking his two sons from the crowd.
'It's sensational. I couldn't ask for more,' Gomes, who has said he plans to answer his 'calling from Jesus' and become a pastor as well as a football agent, said.
'It was amazing today -- it was emotional to be honest. It has been a great five years here.
'I am 99 percent sure I will retire at the end of the season but still one percent I haven't decided. I am 38 so I think it is the end of my career here.'
Gomes, who earned 11 caps for Brazil, was a popular, if occasionally accident-prone, figure at Tottenham Hotspur after joining them in 2008 from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.
And the Watford fans sang his name loudly and with real affection after Saturday's quarter-final win.
Gracia said afterwards he did not know whether Gomes would continue in goal for the FA Cup semi-final.
'I don't know what happens in the next games but Heurelho Gomes is very important -- playing, not playing, his experience and attitude,' the Spaniard said. 'After the game I wanted to recognise his important role this season.
'We have eight more Premier League games this season and the semi-final so we will see what happens.'
With the possibility of an FA Cup final to end his career, Gomes said Watford had allowed him to dream again.
'Game by game when we start to play in this cup, I said this is special so why not dream about it? It was amazing today,' he said. 'This club has been amazing, they gave me the opportunity to dream again when I planned to go back to Brazil in 2014.
'It has been an amazing five years.'
Angelnaby
2
From Eindhoven with love! Gomes you are a legend
Kingstonu
0
every team he’s played for, the fans love him 👍🏻
yimin
0
This mans got my respect
championon
0
Great keeper and big influence
Trishyelko
0
Some of his saves were out of this world and he is a top bloke as well. Down to earth and just incredibly friendly
corruption
1
He's come a long way since the days the media used to mock him when he played for Spurs!
cookie111
1
True Hornet and a special man
meadow
1
Gomes we love you❤️
Brodericck
1
We haven’t forgotten him at PSV Eindhoven either!! At that time one of the best goal keepers in the world.
therefore
1
An absolute legend and ambassador for our club
LoveRMA
1
Legend simple as that
bandage
1
Proud to have him at the club. Brilliant keeper who adores the club & fans. Show his passion, and always spends time signing autographs and having photos with the young fans Whether he goes out with or without an FA Cup winners medal, he can rightly be called a Watford legend !
Lucymed
0
Would love him to get a medal. So many memories of top saves for spurs
Carlcrain
0
Reminds me of his days at PSV. What a great human being he is.
TDgarden
0
Outstanding 👏 In probably his last game at Vicarage Road, Heurelho Gomes soaks up the applause of the home faithful. What a servant he has been for Watford, they love him 💛🖤
Sallyy
0
Emotional scenes from Heurelho Gomes. What a man.
osmosiss
0
Heurelho Gomes's career... - Trophies: 7 - Clean Sheets: 145 - Seasons in the Premier League: 9 - Watford's Player of the Season 2015/16 He's hanging up his gloves at the end of the season and has probably played his last game!
collection
0
an important figure on and off the pitch and his reaction today showed exactly what the club means to him.
Johnnytut
0
Brilliant GK. Always played his heart out on the pitch. One of the most successful brazilian players in the EPL. Should've been playing more for the national team..but he was up against Julio Cesar at that time..
dangerou
0
Who watched the game and thinks Manchester United wasn't even trying press green button.