Clément Pédron, Media365, published on Saturday December 14, 2024 at 9:30 p.m.
Before the meeting between Sevilla FC and Celta Vigo, Jesus Navas was honored as he will leave the club on December 31.
It’s the end of a magnificent love story except that it ends in the most beautiful way. And we could even say, it is not quite finished. This Saturday evening, Sevilla FC accompanied by its supporters paid a moving tribute to Jesus Navas, the club captain. The right winger participated, on the occasion of the reception of Celta Vigo on behalf of the 17th day, in his last home match at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium. Before playing, the Spaniard received a warm welcome by entering the pitch last a few minutes before kick-off. And the emotion was already palpable since the person concerned shed his first tears from the first meters, galvanized by the tifo created by the club’s aficionados and by the songs accompanying his entry.
The Sevillian then walked onto the pitch, making his way under the guard of honor formed not only by his teammates but also by his opponents. And as the icing on the cake, Jesus Navas posed for the photographers with his numerous trophies, including four Europa Leagues (2006, 2007, 2020 and 2023), a World Cup and two Euros (2012 and 2024).
A lifetime contract
History will remember that Sevilla FC, although average in the league, won this match against Celta Vigo (1-0) during which Jesus Navas played 70 minutes. By leaving, the player put an end to years of service to the Rojiblancos since he arrived in 2003 and always remained there apart from four seasons at Manchester City between 2013 and 2017. With Sevilla FC, the Spaniard has played more than 700 matches in all competitions and also has 55 caps with La Roja. Initially, it was agreed that the right winger would leave the club to move on to other horizons and had published a poignant message on social networks. However, the club president quickly made up for this “misunderstanding” in his words by offering a lifetime contract to Jesus Navas. And the latter chose to stop on December 31, 2024, before playing another role within Sevilla FC.
“My wish is to continue playing until December as part of a transition to help the team,” the player explained in the press release. That’s when I’ll decide to hang up my boots with the jersey I’ve always dreamed of wearing, as a Sevilla player. The salary agreed with the president will be donated to a foundation. This is my decision and I have communicated it to the club. »
