GARCÍA PIMIENTA: "JESÚS DESERVED THIS VICTORY"

Xavi García Pimienta, our first-team Head Coach, was delighted when speaking to official media following the victory against Celta de Vigo. Above all, he was happy for Jesús Navas, stating, "He deserved it. Sevilla's greatest ever legend playing his final game at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Celta are a quality side and the boys gave everything today. We deserved to have this celebration with Jesús, it is a very special day. It's a shame that we won't see him back playing here again but it has been a pleasure to be able to work with him and see him play."

He also praised our captain for his off-field activity. "I don't need to discuss how good he is as a footballer because everyone has seen him play. He goes to all these different stadiums and is always applauded for his footballing ability. But I've been fortunate enough to get to know him as a person. He is as humble as he was while still a child and still carries the same motivation. At 39 years old he is still capable of lifting any crowd. That shows you how he is not only as a footballer, but a person."

"Jesús, at 39 years old, is still capable of lifting any crowd"

Despite last-minute issues with the squad and suspensions, the game went ahead with the help of the academy. García Pimienta responded, "We lost three players at short notice, obviously we had to change plans. We used some of the boys from the academy, at times I thought we would struggle. When things are going well it's easier to incorporate some youth players. Álvaro, Darío and Manu all played their role. The academy we have is terrific, the club is doing a great job. And it was an academy player who scored the winning goal, just like Jesús has been doing over the years."

Finally, he said, "I'm very emotional. We spoke about doing this for Jesús. I have no shame in admitting that seeing this all play out perfectly has made me emotional. It is a great feeling to be part of this today, with Jesús Navas, and of this great club. It might not be the best time for the club currently but everyone is committed to getting it back to where it belongs."