Villarreal president Fernando Roig admits they've been blindsided by Unai Emery's departure for Aston Villa.

Emery and Roig held a media conference today to announce Emery's exit.

Roig lamented: "There has been the termination of Unai's contract on his part. He has fulfilled his contract and therefore we thank him for his effort, his professionalism and his work.

"We have had a great relationship and for that we thank him for his efforts, we understand that he is a professional and therefore he has decided to accept another offer. An option that comes to him because of his work, which is honourable.

"We finished well, but he catches us on the wrong foot in a rare season. We appreciate his work, but it is true that he leaves us with a changed foot. We wish you the best, he leaves us a little screwed up, but those of us who are here are going to move on. We have been a little upset, but we thank you and we wish you the best."