Monchi leaves Sevilla to become Roma's sporting director

The 48-year-old has signed a four-year contract at the Stadio Olimpico with the option of a fifth season and will start in his new role immediately.

Monchi, whose full name is Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, had been at Sevilla for more than 30 years after he progressed through Los Blanquirrojos' youth system before making his debut for Sevilla B during the 1988-1989 season.

He made his first-team debut for the club in 1991 but was mainly regarded as a back-up until his retirement in 2000 at the age of 30.

Monchi immediately moved into a sporting director role following retirement with the aim of improving Sevilla's youth academy and setting up an extensive scouting network for recruiting players, something that has received high praise.

He told asroma.com: "I would like to thank Roma president Jim Pallotta and the club's executive team for giving me this opportunity.

"This is an exciting project and I look forward to serving the supporters, staff and players at this iconic club for many years to come."

AS Roma president Jim Pallotta said of his new arrival: "On behalf of myself and the entire AS Roma team, we welcome Monchi to our family and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship as we begin an exciting new era at the club.

"I couldn't be happier with this appointment as Monchi is widely regarded as one of the best minds in world football."

The Spaniard had been recognised as the person who brought through the likes of Jesus Navas, Jose Antonio Reyes and Sergio Ramos at Sevilla whilst also signing unheralded stars such as Carlos Bacca, Dani Alves and Ivan Rakitic during his 18-year tenure as sporting director.