Espanyol coach Ernesto Valverde has left the club following a meeting with club directors on Monday afternoon.Valverde leaves the club he represented as a player after two years in charge, during which time he led them to the UEFA Cup final in 2007.

The 44-year-old coach announced his decision at a press conference on Monday evening, insisting the decision to leave had been a joint one between him and the club.

A statement on the Espanyol website read: "Ernesto Valverde has stepped down as coach of Espanyol after holding talks with the club and the Delegate Commission, held this afternoon at Montjuic.

"The coach, who postponed any decision over his future until after a meeting of club directors, considers, together with the club, that this is the appropriate moment to bring to an end his time as coach of Espanyol, despite having a year remaining on his contract."

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