Sevilla sporting director Monchi has revealed that Yevhen Konoplyanka was allowed to leave the Estadio Ramon on loan because the Spanish club could not guarantee the midfielder first-team action.

Sevilla beat a host of clubs to the free signing of Konoplyanka last summer, but the Ukraine international largely struggled to make his mark in Spain despite scoring eight times in 52 appearances.

The 26-year-old has now joined German outfit Schalke 04 on loan for the remainder of the season, and Monchi has confirmed that the reason for the departure was down to Konoplyanka's playing demands.

"Konoplyanka is a decision that has been taken in consensus with all aspects of the club. He was asking for assurances of first-team football, which with the competition there is we couldn't guarantee. We saw a possibility for financial gain. I wish him the best of luck, I am convinced that in future we will see the best Konoplyanka," Monchi told reporters.

Konoplyanka signed a four-year contract with Sevilla in July 2015.