Monaco vice chairman Vadim Vasilyev has told supporters that the club had little option but to sanction Radamel Falcao's move to Manchester United on transfer deadline day.
The Colombian has joined the Red Devils on a season-long loan deal, with the Premier League side having the right to sign him permanent next summer.
News of the 28-year-old's departure has been met with disappointment by some fans, who also saw James Rodriguez head for Real Madrid in July.
However, Vasilyev has claimed that with Falcao having expressed a desire to depart Stade Louis II, keeping hold of the striker would have been "nonsensical".
"I understand [the unhappiness] but that is football. If there is an offer and the player wants to leave. I am not happy that Falcao left, but when a player wants to leave, you shouldn't keep him. It is nonsensical," Sky Sports News quotes the official as saying.
Falcao is expected to make his United debut a week on Sunday against Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford.
Liam Apicella
