Spanish Football Legend Jesus Navas Retires Following Emotional Tribute from Boyhood Club Sevilla

Navas expressed his deep gratitude towards his beloved Sevilla and the Spanish fans, highlighting that his hip injury prevented him from continuing to play. Despite the hardships, Navas was emotional as he addressed the crowd of 45,000 fans during the tribute, struggling to hold back tears as he spoke about the end of the season.

"I have been suffering from hip difficulties for several years, but in the last few weeks the condition has worsened," he added as he stood below a huge placard that read "Navas legend".

Navas, who emerged from Sevilla's youth system, made 705 appearances for the club over 18 seasons, as well as a four-year spell at Manchester City -- playing 183 games -- between 2013 and 2017.

He was given a framed jersey with his name and the number 705 after being joined by his wife, two sons and parents on the stage as the crowd applauded and chanted his name.

Navas' 15 trophies include a record four with Spain -- the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012, the 2023 UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024 -- and eight with Sevilla.

Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri hailed Navas at the ceremony as "a role model in every respect" while former Sevilla defender Sergio Ramos called him "the greatest legend the club has ever had".

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Navas played the last La Liga game of his 21-year career on December 22, coming on as a substitute for Sevilla in their 4-2 defeat away to Real Madrid.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)