Espanyol president Chen Yansheng admits Raul de Tomas wanted to leave during the summer market.

It's been revealed Manchester United failed with a deadline day bid for the Spain centre-forward.

But Chen told Esport3: "He showed us his intention to leave, but until the last day we did not receive any offer and no agreement was reached.

"Now he is a very important asset and, as always and as in all other aspects, he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the club."

Chen also said of his ownership: "My investment in Espanyol was due to personal interest in football, for the city of Barcelona, which has attracted me a lot, and later I have discovered that the values of the club coincide a lot with mine.

"Therefore, I have not been wrong and I am confident that with our management we will grow every year. I do not regret the bet I made and I would do it again."