Monchi leaves Roma amid reported links to Arsenal

AS Roma announced Friday that they have reached a mutual agreement to part ways with sporting director Monchi, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

"AS Roma and sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, more commonly known as Monchi, can confirm that the two parties have reached a mutual agreement to bring an early end to their professional relationship," a statement on Roma's website read.

Monchi's departure comes just two days after Roma were eliminated from the Champions League by FC Porto.

"I would like to thank president Pallotta, the club's management, staff, players, and fans for their support during my time at the club," said Monchi. "I wish Roma a lot of success in the future."

Following the Italian side's elimination, which led to the dismissal of manager Eusebio Di Francesco on Thursday, Monchi was involved in an altercation with Roma supporters. He later explained it was caused by the "great disappointment we all experienced."

A January report suggested Arsenal were tracking Monchi, who previously worked with Gunners boss Unai Emery at Sevilla, and that the club was eager to appoint the Spaniard as their technical director.

Monchi spent 17 years as Sevilla's sporting director during an era when the Spanish side won five Europa League titles. He left in 2017 after helping the club win a total of 11 trophies.

His early departure from Roma comes two years before his four-year contract was set to expire.

Roma announced that Frederic Massara will assume the sporting director duties.