Isco claims Aston Villa chief Monchi ‘assaulted him’ at Sevilla

'He came for me, he grabbed me by the neck and people had to separate us'

Isco left the Europa League holders after a horrid four-month spell at Sevilla in January and has spoken about his decision to leave for the first time.

In the revealing interview, the former Real Madrid star claimed that Monchi was factor behind his decision to leave after being assaulted by him in the club's offices.

"I told him he was the biggest liar I'd ever met in the world of football and he assaulted me," he told Marca.

"He came for me, he grabbed me by the neck and people had to separate us. As you can understand, after this, I didn't want to stay there under any circumstances.

"Although I was sorry, because I had a very good relationship with my team-mates and the fans treated me wonderfully, I couldn't be comfortable in a club where the sports director attacks me and nobody speaks up or apologises.

"Not after the aggression, after all the lies he was leaking. So I forgave my contract and left."

He added that he called Monchi a lier after the former director of football allegedly told the press that he wanted to leave Sevilla, despite claiming that he "was calling me everyday to urge me to rescind my contract" due to the club's financial problems.

After almost joining Union Berlin in the January transfer window - only for the deal to collapse late on - the 31-year-old says he's ready to get back to playing again.

"I'm looking forward to starting a project and a new experience," he said.

"I'm excited about playing football, enjoying myself, competing and showing that I've got good years of football left in me.

"Yes, I miss the ball, competing, the matches, the dressing room... I miss feeling like a footballer. 

"It's true that I have offers, but I don't want to make a mistake or take another false step in my career. I want to play, compete, have fun and I look forward to returning."

Related links:

• Rickie Lambert thinks talking to water makes it clean
• Antonio Conte spent two hours ‘scolding’ Richarlison in front of Spurs squad
• Man United respond to video of Mason Mount telling fans to stop following him