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| Joao Moutinho says he is unhappy with Monaco's transfer policy |
JOAO MOUTINHO has hinted he is ready to leave Monaco after revealing his "sadness" over the Ligue 1 club's transfer policy.
Moutinho, 29, joined Monaco two years ago during a period of big-name arrivals on the Mediterranean coast.
The club bought James Rodrigues for £38.5million the month Moutinho arrived from Porto in 2013, with Radamel Falcao (£52m) arriving that same summer.
But with owner Dmitry Rybolovlev tightening his purse strings and UEFA's Financial Fair Play hitting the club hard, signing big-name players has become less of an option.
And Moutinho says that he joined the club with the intention of competing for major trophies - and that he may seek a transfer.
“The project has changed. It is no longer the one that I came for, but it is like that," the Portugal international told L'Equipe.
"In all the clubs that I have been in, there were always departures and that did not stop me from staying for three or four years.
"I don’t feel hard done by but I do feel sad. I want to play in a team that is playing to win all the competitions. And, in this project, that is more difficult."
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| Moutinho (left) played against Arsenal in the Champions League last season |
Falcao has spent the last two years on loan - at Manchester United and now at Chelsea - while Rodriguez forced through a move to Real Madrid after the 2014 World Cup.
This summer, the club offloaded Geoffrey Kondogbia, Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, Layvin Kurzawa and Anthony Martial on rival European clubs.
And Moutinho expressed his disappointment at seeing the team dismantled.
“There is a bit of frustration, certainly. In the league, PSG are favourites," Moutinho added.
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| Radamel Falcao is on loan from Monaco at Chelsea |
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| James Rodriguez quit Monaco for Real Madrid in 2014 |
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| Anthony Martial is now at Manchester United following his £36m transfer from Monaco |
"In the cups too… Us, we have a good team, lots of qualities, but also lots of youngsters. Despite all that, Monaco still has a competitive team.
"The aim, is to finish minimum third and to win a Cup. Why not the Europa League.
“My aim is to win at least once the Champions League. That is what I am working for.
"Here, it is very difficult. I have asked myself the question (about leaving), there were talks but nothing concrete.
"We will see what will happen at the end of the season. Today, there is no point talking about it. I am at Monaco, I am focused on my club.
"The team is young, and it needs to be aided. I accept that challenge.
“The you keep your best players, it is better. Here we do the opposite.”
Moutinho was reportedly wanted by Arsenal in the summer as the Premier League club sought additional midfield recruits.
Mathieu Flamini was expected to be let go, with Mikel Arteta's future unresolved during the off-season.
But no offer was made as Monaco appeared to stand firm on demanding more than the £18million they paid Porto for his services two summers previous.
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