Official: Monchi to step down as Sevilla sporting director
The highly rated transfer guru, who has been instrumental in the side's successes, denied he has agreed to join Roma but wants a changeReal Madrid-Sevilla live: LaLiga
Sevilla sporting director Monchi held a press conference at the Sánchez Pizjuán on Monday during which he confirmed that he would be stepping down from the role at the end of the season.
Flanked by the team’s captains – Vicente Iborra, Vitolo, Nicolás Pareja and Daniel Carriço – as well as members of the board and technical staff, Monchi stated that he needed a change of scenery after 29 years at the club as a player and in the boardroom.
Monchi: "It's a personal matter and I need a change of scenery"
“The reasons are based on the fatigue of being at this club for such a long time,” Monchi said. “I wanted to leave in May and I went about it the wrong way in terms of the timing and the manner, but the idea was still there. There are no other reasons, the only person who is to blame for us being here is me, it’s a personal matter and I need a change of scenery. The efforts Sevilla have made to persuade me to stay have been incredible.”
Before Monchi took the microphone, Sevilla president José Castro confirmed that the club had offered Monchi a package “well out of the market for Sevilla’s means” but that in the end the board had decided to “focus more on the person who needs a change more than the professional aspect.” Castro also confirmed that Monchi would not have to pay a release clause reportedly of 10 million euros, to end his association with the club.
Roma deal not agreed
Monchi was also keen to stress that he had not agreed to join another club, with widespread reports that Roma has come to an arrangement to acquire his services ahead of next season. “I want you to believe me; I have not signed anything and I do not have an agreement with anyone. It’s true that Roma have made an inquiry and it’s true that I was in London the other day, but there is nothing decided. I’m still young and I have things left to achieve in my life so I’m not just going to go home and put my feet up, but I have not made any agreements.”
"The planning for next season is mostly done"
“Obviously I’m going to start gradually handing over my jobs in the coming weeks. The planning for next season is mostly done. The decision is the club’s but Sevilla are perfectly prepared to cover my roles. I’ll be losing more without my team than they will without me. There are extremely professional, committed and dedicated Sevillistas in the club.”
“To the fans I would just like to say that they have always given me their affection. Anyone who thinks I am a traitor has me utmost respect. I don’t want to say a bad word against anyone. My greatest legacy here is not titles, it’s my team and the structures we have created within the club.”
