David Moyes has released an official statement after being sacked by Real Sociedad in which he reveals he turned down other jobs to stay at Anoeta.
Moyes was let go last week and replaced by Eusebio Sacristan after a defeat to Las Palmas, departing the Basque club almost exactly a year after he was appointed.
“I am disappointed to have left Real Sociedad. When I accepted the job as manager of La Real last November, my remit was to avoid relegation and retain the club’s La Liga status,” the message on the League Managers’ Association website began.
“We succeeded in attaining that target and finished 12th in the table. I feel that we made significant progress last season; beating Barcelona in front of our home fans was a memorable highlight.
“Despite some positive performances from our team, results have not gone our way in recent weeks. However, I was confident we would finish in a strong position by the end of the season.
“I made a firm promise to Real Sociedad to honour my contract and it is disappointing not to be able to fulfil this commitment especially when I have turned down a number of job opportunities in recent months.
“After spending 12 years in the Premier League as manager of Everton and Manchester United, I was keen to take the opportunity to work abroad and have learnt a great deal from the experience.
“I would like to thank the club and the President for giving me the opportunity to manage in Spain, at a club with such a rich history of employing British managers.
“I would also like to thank the players, staff and my assistant, Billy McKinlay, for their support and the wonderful people of San Sebastian.
“It has been a pleasure to work in their beautiful city and immerse myself in their culture. Their warmth and generosity has made me feel very at home over the last year.”
