Jesús Navas, the record holder of the Sevillian derbies: ”I want to enjoy and give joy to the fans”

Jesus Navas He has been playing with pain for months. He wants to last at least until December, but his hip has become a daily ordeal. If suffering does not prevent him, this Sunday he will play his 28th derby, becoming the player who has played the most Sevilla-Betis games. Joaquin he added 27. The figure of Navas is inseparable from the recent history of his club. The boy from Los Palacios who will turn 39 next month, debuted as a fast, tireless and precise winger. His long road to legend is full of titles, sacrifices and loyalty to white and red.

In May 2024, on the eve of the Euro Cup, with Sevilla mired in an institutional and sporting crisis, Navas announced his departure from the team at the end of the season. In the letter he expressed his surprise and regret at the lack of communication from the club regarding his renewal. He clarified that, despite what had been speculated, he had not made a decision for months and that he had not received any call from the board to offer him to continue on the team. Navas mentioned how difficult it was for him to say goodbye, given his strong emotional bond with the club and the fansand regretted that there was no response from the club to try to retain him. It was a betrayal of their commitment.

The ugly gesture was immediately condemned by the fans, who blamed the lack of tact of José María del Nido Carrasco with the captain to the chaos of the entity, to the cuts and the poor planning of the squad. Despite the initial tensions, the club finally reconsidered and decided to renew his contract. That unexpected turn in the negotiations, when the relationship already seemed broken, allowed Navas to reach the Eurocup as a player from Nervion, being a champion, and to be in the new coach’s plans. Francisco Javier García Pimienta. An extension of just a few months that is being complicated by injuries. Navas has only played 198 minutes so far this season.

Learning with Guardiola

The palatial man was a key player in Sevilla’s golden years in the mid-2000s. He led the club to win the UEFA Cup on two consecutive occasions (2006 and 2007), in addition to other titles such as the European Super Cup and the Copa del Rey. King. In 2013, Navas made the most difficult decision of his career: leaving Sevilla to join the Manchester City.

There he learned to play further back, he learned to defend and assumed a new role on the field. It was April 2, 2017, at the Emirates Stadium. They faced Arsenal Arsene Wenger and the City of Pep Guardiola. The one from Sampedor, who made his debut as a coach that season bluehad injured spread y Stories. The Sevilla youth player hardly counted for his new coach, but he decided to give him the starting job as right back. They tied at two. «Jesús is a magnificent guy and I am very happy with his performance against Alexis Sanchezwho is one of the best wingers in the world,” said Pep after the game.

In 2017, after four seasons in England, Navas decided to return home. He was already a different player, less explosive, more defensive, with much more field to occupy. Under his captaincy, Sevilla lifted the Europa League in 2020the sixth in the club’s history. With almost 700 games played, Navas has broken all possible records in the Sevilla team, becoming the player who has worn the club’s shirt the most times.

Fundamental in coexistence

The team is not going through a good moment. The lack of effectiveness in attack and an insecure defense have led Sevilla to a difficult time. In this context, Navas continues to be fundamental in the coexistence of a renewed dressing room, with many young footballers and players who do not know either the League or the Nervion essence. In front of them they have an example, a mirror and a guardian of Sevilla values.

«It is my last derby and I’m really looking forward to enjoying it and giving joy to the fans.“Navas said at a press conference. If the pain allows it, it will be the first goodbye for an applauded footballer who will miss Sánchez-Pizjuán as much as Sánchez-Pizjuán will miss him.

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