Roma's new sporting director Monchi has discussed his plans to establish the club as one of the best in Italy and Europe after being won over by their ambition.

Monchi was in high demand, having also been linked with a move to Arsenal, after helping Sevilla to a total of nine trophies, including five Europa League crowns.

But the 48-year-old opted for Roma because he felt convinced that they are the club he can have the greatest success with.

"It was the club's interest in me and the determination they showed in wanting to bring me here," Monchi told Roma's official website of his main reason for joining. "Plus the lure of the club itself. I believe this club is perfectly suited to the way I work.

"It's an ambitious club that wants to grow and compete for major honours. This is a wonderful city and the club have a huge fanbase. I believe we have everything we need to do a good job."

That job will be ensuring Roma continue to challenge for silverware in Italy as well as becoming a greater force in Europe.

"I really want to repay the warm welcome I've received from the president, club and management. I'm very keen to get started and put together the best possible Roma side," he said.

Monchi helped Sevilla to five Europa League crowns during his time at the club. Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images

"Planning is very important in the workplace. At Sevilla, we all contributed to building a model which grew over time and secured unimaginable results. I believe Roma have already built a lot -- all we have to do is add to that and I really believe that with good planning, the right personnel and infrastructure, which Roma already have, we can achieve great things.

"The short-term goal is for me to get settled here at Roma and learn about the club's identity and philosophy -- basically I need to know what makes the club tick. Then, [technical director] Ricky Massara and I have to create the most professional football department possible because that's what I believe is one of the secrets to future success. Those are the short-term targets.

"As for the long-term goals, our aim is to consolidate Roma's position not only at the summit of the Italian game but also at Europe's top table."

He joins a Roma side on course for an automatic berth in next season's Champions League, which would be an improvement on last term when they had to settle for a qualifying spot, before going on to lose their playoff tie to Porto.

With five games of the Serie A season to go, second-plaed Roma trail league leaders Juventus by eight points, while they have a four-point cushion over third-placed Napoli.

They were knocked out of the Europa League in the round of 16 by Lyon and lost out to city rivals Lazio, whom they meet in the league at the weekend, in the semifinals of the Coppa Italia.