Yevhen Konoplyanka left Sevilla on loan because the club could not guarantee him first team football, director of football Monchi has explained.
The attacking midfielder only arrived at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan last summer but sealed a temporary switch to German side Schalke on Tuesday evening.
Speaking at the presentation of new Rojiblancos goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, Monchi insisted the 26-year-old’s move made sense for all parties.
“Konoplyanka is a decision that has been taken in consensus with all aspects of the club,” he began.
“He was asking for assurances of first team football, which with the competition there is we couldn’t guarantee.
“We saw a possibility for financial gain. I wish him the best of luck, I am convinced that in future we will see the best Konoplyanka.”
Konoplyanka himself took to Twitter to thank Sevilla fans for a memorable year, which saw the club win the Europa League for the third consecutive season.
“Just one year is enough to understand that Sevilla FC is not a club like any other. The magic of the Sanchez Pizjuan, the people at the club and the special fans mean that every player who wears this shirt remembers it for their whole career.”