Roberto Martinez praises "remarkable" Garry Monk following Swansea City axe

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that Garry Monk should feel "very proud" of his "remarkable" achievements at Swansea City.

Monk was sacked by the Welsh outfit on Wednesday following just one win in 11 Premier League games.

The 36-year-old, who spent 10 years playing for the club before taking over as manager, guided the team to eighth last season - their best ever Premier League finish.

Monk was captain of the team during Martinez's managerial spell from 2007 to 2009 at the Liberty Stadium.

"What he has achieved there is nothing short of remarkable," Martinez told reporters. "What he achieved last season will be in history for a long time. I am sure he is going to have a refreshing break period and will be ready to come back.

"Ideally you want to see long-term projects and managers being able to put things into place but it's not a subject of debate. It's what happens now in the game and you have to accept it.

"He was my captain at Swansea. We have a really good professional relationship and I respect him a lot. He should feel very proud of what he has achieved."

Swansea are currently 15th in the league table, one point above the relegation zone.