Tuesday 17 November 2015 11:28, UK
David Moyes has revealed he turned down a number of job opportunities in recent months before being sacked by Real Sociedad.
The former Everton and Manchester United manager said in a statement released by the League Managers Association (LMA) that he was "disappointed" not to be able to honour his contract, and felt the side would finish in a strong position in La Liga.
Sociedad are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference and a 2-0 defeat by Las Palmas earlier this month was their fourth in five league games and resulted in his sacking almost a year to the day that he was appointed.
Moyes said: "I am disappointed to have left Real Sociedad. When I accepted the job as manager of La Real last November, my remit was to avoid relegation and retain the club's La Liga status.
"We succeeded in attaining that target and finished 12th in the table. I feel that we made significant progress last season; beating Barcelona in front of our home fans was a memorable highlight.
"Despite some positive performances from our team, results have not gone our way in recent weeks. However, I was confident we would finish in a strong position by the end of the season.
"I made a firm promise to Real Sociedad to honour my contract and it is disappointing not to be able to fulfil this commitment especially when I have turned down a number of job opportunities in recent months."
It is not clear if any of those job offers were from Premier League clubs, but Newcastle, Sunderland, Aston Villa, West Ham and Leicester have all had managerial searches since the end of last season.
Despite the abrupt ending to his time at Sociedad, Moyes insists it was a pleasure to work in Spain, and says he has learnt from the experience of managing abroad.
"After spending 12 years in the Premier League as manager of Everton and Manchester United, I was keen to take the opportunity to work abroad and have learnt a great deal from the experience.
"I would like to thank the club and the President for giving me the opportunity to manage in Spain, at a club with such a rich history of employing British Managers.
"I would also like to thank the players, staff and my assistant, Billy McKinlay, for their support and the wonderful people of San Sebastian.
"It has been a pleasure to work in their beautiful city and immerse myself in their culture. Their warmth and generosity has made me feel very at home over the last year."
