Snubbing Van Persie is like rejecting Messi, says Monchi

The Sevilla chief says the Dutchman was never an option for the Europa League winners - but he would have done everything to get him had it been possible

Sevilla director Monchi has laughed off suggestions that he turned down the chance to sign Robin van Persie this summer, stressing that snubbing the former Manchester United man would have been like rejecting Lionel Messi.
The 46-year-old attempted to lure the Netherlands international to Sevilla in 2004, but the striker eventually opted to join Arsenal instead.
Reports from Spain suggested that Monchi got another chance to sign Van Persie this summer as his Manchester United career came to an end, but he says a deal for the striker was never on the table.
"Turning down Van Persie is like rejecting Messi. He is a top player and I would not even dare to say no to a player like him," Monchi told Marca.
"I would do everything to get him in and never snubbed Van Persie.
"If a player like him would be available and open to a move to Sevilla, the club would always look into it.
"I am not a spiteful man who would reject someone because he did not come to this club in the past."
Van Persie, 31, eventually left United for Fenerbahce earlier this month.