Former Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna is happy they managed to keep hold of Unai Emery.

Senna, now a director with Villarreal, admits Emery was close to moving to Newcastle United.

He told Mundo Deportivo: "I did not know him personally when he signed and I was very happy. We needed to make that leap in quality with a coach with experience of winning titles. When I met him as a person and saw his work, I confirmed that he must be ours.

Asked about Newcastle, Senna admits it was fortunate Emery didn't leave.

"And so much more, because mid-season was not a good time."