Unai Emery has discussed the project at Sevilla and insists staying at the Europa League winners was always his preferred option.
Emery was linked with positions at the likes of Milan, Napoli and West Ham after guiding Los Rojiblancos to a second consecutive Europa League success and with it, a place in the Champions League.
He eventually signed a new deal to stay at Nervion and in an interview with Marca, has said staying put was always what he wanted to do.
“When I end the season I have to assess if I have the energy and motivation to continue growing with Sevilla. I need to evaluate where I am in respect to the club,” the trainer said.
“Sevilla was always my first choice. In the economic and sporting level, my priority was always the sporting side. We’re in the Champions League and the European Super Cup.
“From there it was evaluating the interested teams. In my contract it said I could go with a year left and if targets weren’t met, it wouldn’t be renewed.
“I wanted tranquillity, to be with my family, to go to the beach and think. It’s true that when things come out the supporters can be angry or tell me to stay. I had offers from various clubs and Sevilla knew about them.
“We went on a Sunday to play in Morocco and I already knew of Napoli’s interest. I was told they wanted to meet me quickly. I wanted to listen to them. I don’t think I did anything wrong.
“Monchi called me to ask about the meeting and I told him what happened. Napoli missed the Champions League and the President wanted to use me as a bomb to drop.
“I told Monchi I would listen to him but he knew what I thought and stayed calm. It’s true the Sevilla President was upset. I told him I wanted to think for five days and listen to other teams.
“I like to coach. I’m getting attention for my work at Sevilla and I can’t close those doors. My next dream? I want to keep growing.
“I think I can continue to grow and enjoy myself with Sevilla. I don’t think about the next step in my career. I just want to enjoy it.”
