Derby County boss Gary Rowett admits it was tough to oversee the sale of Will Hughes to Watford.
The midfielder was confirmed as the Hornets' first signing of the summer on Saturday for a fee understood to be in the region of £4.5million rising to £8m.
Rowett told Rams TV: “From a financial aspect we have Financial Fair Play and things like that we have to adhere to. We're trying to restructure and rebuild around different factors.
“We thought it was a sensible decision – a difficult decision – I can understand it's difficult for a lot of the fans, but like I've said before we have to make tough decisions to get to where we want to be.
“I have to make sure every player here next year is thoroughly committed to what we're doing and it was an opportunity for Will and he certainly wanted to explore it."
He added: “Will said to me after two difficult seasons he really felt he needed a new challenge.
“I don't suggest for one minute he doesn't feel the same way about the club, because he does. He's grown up here being a big part of it, but when you hear a player say that you have to be open minded."
