Roma are hoping to benefit from "one of the best minds in world football" after appointing former Sevilla goalkeeper Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, known as Monchi, as the club's new sporting director on Monday.

"On behalf of myself and the entire AS Roma team, we welcome Monchi to our family and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship as we begin an exciting new era at the club," said Roma president James Pallotta.

"I couldn't be happier with this appointment as Monchi is widely regarded as one of the best minds in world football."

A statement from Roma, who sit second in Serie A, 11 points behind Juventus before Monday's league fixture at Pescara, said: "The Spaniard -- who will start work immediately -- has signed a four-year contract, with an option for a fifth year, with the Giallorossi."

Monchi won nine major honours during an unprecedented spell of success with the southern Spanish side from 1990 to 1999.

After retiring as a player, Monchi worked behind the scenes to help Sevilla win the Europa League a record five times, the Copa del Rey twice and both the Spanish Supercopa and European Super Cup once.

He said: "This is an exciting project and I look forward to serving the supporters, staff and players at this iconic club for many years to come."

Monchi, who succeeds Walter Sabatini, is expected to play a key role in targeting players in the transfer market as well as being the link man between players and management.