Monchi recalls how Emery repeatedly tried to bring him to his clubs before Villa reunion

Former Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has detailed how Unai Emery repeatedly attempted to recruit him over several years before the pair finally worked together in the West Midlands. According to Sport Witness, who cite an interview with Spanish outlet Mucho Deporte, the executive explained that he declined approaches from the Villa manager while he was in charge at both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Monchi recalled that after deciding to leave Roma, Emery contacted him about a move to north London. He stated he was close to accepting, but a phone call from Sevilla president Pepe Castro persuaded him to return to the Andalusian club instead, a decision he acknowledged caused some friction with Emery at the time.

A similar pattern emerged when Emery departed Sevilla for the French capital in 2016. Monchi said the manager informed him of the offer from Paris Saint-Germain only after negotiations were advanced, and subsequently invited him to follow. That invitation was also turned down.

The two men eventually reunited at Aston Villa, where they worked alongside each other for two years before Monchi decided to return to Spain. He is currently employed by Espanyol.

Sport Witness adds that Monchi is scheduled to attend the Antonio Puerta Trophy match on 2 October, a fixture in which Aston Villa will face Sevilla. It will mark Emery’s first visit back to the club where he previously managed under Monchi’s oversight as sporting director.