'Best for everyone' - Monchi on Aston Villa exit and Ollie Watkins interest
Monchi says his departure as director of football operations at Aston Villa was "best for everyone" after he took the decision to step down from his role in September.
Monchi worked with Unai Emery for over two years at Villa Park, during a period which famously saw them qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
But just weeks after the recent summer transfer window shut, Monchi opted for pastures new, and has finally spoken out about his decision to leave.
"After two very successful years, the next step was consolidation in the elite," the Spaniard explained in an interview with Flash Score.
"After a lot of wear and tear, maybe new faces were needed.
"We agreed it was best for everyone."
Monchi also lifted the lid on Ollie Watkins and the interest he received from Premier League rivals Arsenal in January.
"There was real interest in Watkins from Arsenal in the January transfer window," he revealed.
"In the summer market, there has been no formal offer. Let's see, in three months, there is almost a summer, because every time the market starts earlier and earlier.
"There is not only [interest] for Ollie, [but] for Morgan Rogers, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, John McGinn, for everyone."
