GALA DINNER IN HONOUR OF JESÚS NAVAS

Ahead of Monday's ceremony at a packed-out Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, the first part of our tribute to Jesús Navas took place on Sunday night. Navas was the centre of attention at the Robles Aljarafe Restaurant, where the first team squad met after their first training session following the Christmas break.

The club captain was accompanied by his wife and two sons, but that was far from the end of the guest list. Although many of those who will be at the stadium tomorrow will arrive just in time for the event, others who arrived in Sevilla earlier were present at the dinner. Representatives from all eras of Jesús Navas at the club - from Aitor Ocio, Kepa, David Castedo, Pablo Alfaro and Paco Gallardo to Marcos Acuña, Aquivaldo Mosquera, Fede Fazio, Diego Capel and Tomás Vaclík - dined alongside their former teammate. Also present were some of his coaches during this period, such as Joaquín Caparrós and Antonio Álvarez.

Teammates from across Navas' career were in attendance

As they dined, a toast to Navas and to the New Year was made. Raising the glass were president José María del Nido Carrasco, coach Xavi García Pimienta, as well as the man himself, and his successor, Nemanja Gudelj. He received gifts such as a flag with the club crest embroidered on it, a work by the Sevillian artist Kato Art, as well as a photograph with his wife from his final match at the Sánchez-Pizjuán against RC Celta earlier this month. The referees' association also joined in with the celebrations and presented Navas with a referee's jersey signed by all match officials.

In the closing stage of the evening, it was time for the speeches. The Club President addressed those present: ‘Jesús is leaving as we also say goodbye to 2024. At times it has been tough this year, but we're now seeing signs of identity in the team, so we're now going into 2025 feeling really enthusiastic. One of the many things that Jesús has taught us is that, to get Sevilla back to where it deserves to be, we have to give everything in every training session and in every game and fight for the badge. So let's raise a glass to this legend and to a bright future.’

Navas rounded things off, in usual concise way: ‘I am very proud of all of you. We have lived through many moments, some of them difficult, but you have been there. Everything I have achieved has been thanks to you, and I remember the many moments we have shared.'