Aston Villa signing Diego Carlos has been back to Sevilla this week.

Sevilla held an official farewell ceremony for Carlos.

The Brazil international said: "Sevilla did not deserve a farewell on social media. I am not a man of easy goodbyes, but I have to say goodbye to a place that has not only been a club for me, it has been a family.

"I want to thank everyone mainly for the love, me and my family. I wanted to put all my courage to be able to compete because I came from a very difficult story in my life and at Sevilla I have been able to grow as a footballer and a human being, also as a father of a family.

"I arrived with the ambition to conquer this (pointing to the Europa League), it is the best memory of my career and it is hotter than the Olympic gold, because it was the first Cup of my career. I'm leaving but a Sevilla player stays here forever."

Sevilla sporting director Monchi said: “17 years ago today we said goodbye to another Brazilian in this stadium, one of the best strikers in the history of Sevilla, Luis Fabiano. Coincidentally we say goodbye to another Brazilian, one of the best defenders in our history.

My relationship with Diego Carlos has transcended from the professional to the personal. A player leaves with closeness and it hurts a little more. Diego defines what a Nervión guardian represents, but by the fact of being a soldier and defender of a cause.

"Any club wants to have him because he has defended the shield with everything he could. In 136 games there is not a day that Diego has not given his all, at specific times even injured. He has never put a problem. The only thing I can wish you is luck to you and your family in your new stage."