Monchi WON'T pay release clause and will remain at Sevilla

There’s been another twist in the Monchi soap opera. Sevilla’s sporting director, who had one foot out the door at the Sanchez Pizjuan after revealing his intention to leave, looks set to be forced to stay after the club released a statement on Tuesday. 

It’s been suggested that Monchi has ruled out paying the five million euros being requested for him to leave his contract. It’s a huge obstacle stopping one of football’s most sought-after sporting directors - and the man responsible for Sevilla’s success over the last decade - moving to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Everton or even Espanyol. 

In a statement published on Tuesday, Sevilla say the contract signed by Monchi means he is going nowhere for now. They admit that he asked to leave the club for personal reasons and that, despite understanding and respecting his wishes, they have decided to reject his request. 

Here’s the club’s statement: 

“Sevilla FC, after analysing the petition presented by sporting director, Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, Moncho, to settle his contract with the club, have decided to request that he completes the contract that he signed and that links him to the club until June 30, 2020. For that reason, Monchi will remain in his current role. 

“Monchi, in a meeting which he had with the management board on Monday afternoon, communicated his desire to leave his position at Sevilla for personal reasons. 

“The club have since been evaluating his situation throughout Monday and Tuesday and the final decision has been to communicate to Monchi our desire for him to respect the contract signed by both parties, therefore he will continue in his position as sporting director. 

"Monchi has accepted the club’s decision and has communicated his commitment to continue working with the same dedication and professionalism which he always has done for the benefit of the club. 

“The club want to express their satisfaction at the solution and their appreciation to Monchi. We have blind faith that he will continue to perform his role with the same intensity, quality and efficiency that he always has.”