Unai Emery admits he was extremely close to becoming manager at Newcastle United after being in prime position to take charge earlier this season.
The former Arsenal boss was considered No 1 choice by the club's new Saudi owners to take over from the sacked Steve Bruce, and following talks looked set to be appointed at St James' Park.
However, Emery pulled out of leaving his current club Villarreal at the last moment believing he had a duty to stay at the Spanish outfit with the club going on to appoint Eddie Howe.