Sevilla president Jose Castro has revealed that he thought the club's sporting director Monchi "was mad" when he learned of his plans to sign Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri.

Nasri, 29, joined Sevilla on loan in the summer transfer window and has played a key role in the Spanish club's impressive start to the season - netting three times in eight appearances this term.

Castro has admitted that he was unsure whether Sevilla could afford to sign the France international, but has hailed his club for continuing to re-ignite the careers of out-of-favour players.

"When Monchi told me that he was considering signing Nasri, I immediately thought he was mad. We simply couldn't afford him," Castro told Cadena Cope.

"Nasri had limited playing time at Manchester City but has arrived here and he is having a starring role - Monchi has played a pivotal role but so has the club. We must be doing something right because there are players that have failed to succeed in other clubs but arrive at Sevilla and triumph.

"Our fans, our stadium and our city - we are all doing the right things. We just give them love and trust. They have joined a club that has won many titles and is respected in Europe. The players know that they are coming here to win, to succeed and to give their all for this club. We wants to win everything."

Nasri scored once in eight appearances for Man City last season.