Ivan Rakitic speaks at Jesús Navas' contract-extension event

RAKITIC: 'I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT MY CAPTAIN IS A LIFE-LONG FRIEND'

28/06/2021
The Croatian was delighted with Jesús Navas' renewal: 'I can't imagine a dressing room without you in it'

Ivan Rakitić had an emotional role to play at the celebratory event for Jesús Navas' contract extension. The Croatian, who shares the captain's armband with the full-back, focused on Navas the person, speaking about his positive attitude on and off the pitch: 'Today is a great day for all Sevillistas and for all your friends. Today we renew the contract of Jesús Navas, our captain. I remember when I arrived in Sevilla in 2011 I was thrust into an impressive squad, with top players, but one stood out. He stood out because with few words he can say and do so much. With your gestures you transmit so much to the group. I remember how hard it was to speak at first though... not cause of shyness, but because my Spanish wasn't so good at the start! I'm proud to say my captain is a life-long friend. Not only do you defend the Club on the pitch.'

'We have so many memories together, and not all of them good ones. We've went through difficult moments in the team but your calmness and joy always remain the same. It's a boost to share the dressing room with a World Cup winner. It's what we all want since we've been little boys and having you here as a role model makes us proud. I thank the president for making this renewal possible, because I cannot imagine a dressing room without you in it. Seeing your happiness every day is unique and we want to keep enjoying moments with you. We are behind you and you are going forward. The squad thanks you for everything you do, we love you and I want to say all this as I have the fortune of being here today with you. I hope we can enjoy these three years a lot - you're one of a kind.'

Finishing up, Rakitić spoke about last August: 'The most special moment for me was last summer. I knew what it was like to lift a trophy with Sevilla and what it felt like to be the captain doing it. I watched all of the games with my family on holidays and obviously I wanted Sevilla to win, but even more so I wanted Jesús, my friend, to lift the cup and feel that sensation. Only at Sevilla can you feel something like that. It's something unique and I'm sure the trophy won in Cologne won't be the last one. We will work hard to keep making Sevilla fans happy.'