Jude Bellingham has sent a heartfelt message to Jesus Navas after the former Manchester City forward played the final game of his professional career on Sunday. Navas, 39, came on as a second-half substitute for Sevilla during their 4-2 defeat at Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Navas, who spent four years at City between 2013 and 2017, is set to retire when his contract expires on December 31. The Spaniard made his senior debut in November 2003 and has since clocked over 900 appearances for club and country, featuring more than 700 times for Sevilla across two spells.
But now, having suffered with a persistent hip injury for the last couple of years, Navas has decided to bring down the curtain on his career. He made his last start for Sevilla in their home game against Celta Viga on December 14 and will say goodbye to supporters at an event at Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan on December 30.
The right midfielder, who was turned into a full-back under Pep Guardiola, left the club in June 2017 after making 183 appearances in total. He returned to Sevilla that summer and has spent the rest of his career with the Spanish club, cementing himself as a legend there and winning nine major honours.
Speaking after the defeat to Real and his final game, Navas issued an emotional statement: “In the last two minutes, I was already very emotional. I’m at peace knowing I gave it my all and brought happiness to so many people. Thank you to Real Madrid, the stadium, and their fans for the incredible affection—it’s been overwhelming.”
The right midfielder, who was turned into a full-back under Pep Guardiola, left the club in June 2017 after making 183 appearances in total. He returned to Sevilla that summer and has spent the rest of his career with the Spanish club, cementing himself as a legend there and winning nine major honours.
Speaking after the defeat to Real and his final game, Navas issued an emotional statement: “In the last two minutes, I was already very emotional. I’m at peace knowing I gave it my all and brought happiness to so many people. Thank you to Real Madrid, the stadium, and their fans for the incredible affection—it’s been overwhelming.”
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