RED CARPET ROLLED OUT FOR JESÚS NAVAS FAREWELL

On such a special day as the farewell to Jesús Navas, everyone wanted to pay tribute to a legend of the club on the red carpet before the ceremony. First to speak was Pablo Blanco: “It is sad that a great player is retiring but we will continue to have him around the club. The stadium is the best place to say goodbye to the best player." Joaquín Caparrós also spoke: “We are losing a magnificent footballer with a special talent, but it is a joy to enjoy everything he is receiving. He has achieved everything and is a legend. There have been many days, but today is Jesus' day." 

His brother Marco Navas also spoke of the red carpet: “We are all very proud. His family, his fans... All the stadiums have shown the affection they have for him. He has shown an example of what a good sportsman is. Honest, humble and hard-working until the last appearance. I hope those who come after him can look up to him." His current teammates were also keen to praise our captain. Juanlu said that: "It is a dream to have shared a changing room with him. We haven't trained with him for two days and we already miss him, it's strange. He has been an example as a footballer and as a person, he has helped me since the first day I joined the team." 

Juanlu: "We haven't trained with him for two days and we already miss him" 

Also, Gudelj, who inherits his captain's armband: “We have talked a lot, but there are not enough words to thank him. Today is the day to say goodbye to him in front of everyone. I take with me an example because, when I arrived, he welcomed me as anyone would like to be welcomed. He has shown his values and for is a living legend and the eternal captain. I have a friend with me forever and I promise him as the new captain that I will always pass on those values when I wear the armband." 

Gudelj: "I promise him as the new captain that I will always pass on those values when I wear the armband" 

Manuel Pellegrini also had words for him: “I am proud to be here today with Jesus. They were three unforgettable years in Manchester and I admire him. The fact that the stadium at the training ground is called the Estadio Jesús Navas already reflects what he is.” Joaquín Sánchez also was in attendance: “For what he is like, for his career, professionalism and for what he means for all of football. It is a day that will be special for him and it is because of this admiration that we have for him that we are here today. He will be remembered in time for what he is and for everything he has won. He deserves it because he has been an example." 

Sergio Ramos was the last one to speak: “It is a very special day for all of us. We have come to show him the affection that the whole football world has for him. I met him when I was a teenager and we have grown up together. We had to look after him a lot when he started and now he's leaving as someone who overcame everything and built a legend. His legacy is already written but his humility and character he now leaves with the younger players."