Norwich City director Stuart Webber says he had little choice about selling Emi Buendia.
The Argentine has joined Aston Villa in a deal worth £30m plus add-ons.
"Whilst we are disappointed to have lost a fantastic player, we should take a moment to be proud of the journey that both Emi and the club have been on," Webber said.
He added: "Despite us not wanting Emi to leave, once he made it clear that he wanted to go to Aston Villa, and they reached the level of deal we have got to, we were left with little option.
"He and his young family will be missed, but he leaves with our blessings, for a club-record fee, one that could reach nearly double our previous record.
"We look forward to watching Emi's career develop further. He has helped us grow as a club over the last three years.
"But now that this deal is concluded, and with the benefit of it happening early in the summer, we look forward to progressing our transfer window plans."
