JESÚS NAVAS: "I AM A NORMAL GUY AND I LOVE MY SEVILLA FC"

Jesus Navas has never been a man of great speeches. But on a day like this, it was time to write to say goodbye properly. This was his speech to close the farewell ceremony at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

Good afternoon everyone, and thank you for joining me and for sharing all this time together. Today we close a life playing football, enjoying the game. Getting up, going to training, sharing hours in the changing room, getting out on the grass, touching the ball, traveling, games... and so on up to 705 with my Sevilla; 39 more with Sevilla Atlético, whose honour I have to play in the stadium that bears my name; 183 matches in my four years in all competitions with Manchester City; and 61 with my national team of Spain divided into 56 with the senior team and 5 with the Under-21s. I've been fortunate to lift trophies, wherever I've played I've shared the titles with my teammates, but nothing has changed my behaviour. Because I'm still a simple guy... and I love my Sevilla FC.

The truth is that the next few days are going to be difficult for me. That's why I want to start by thanking Pablo Blanco, who gave me to make my debut as a Sevillista at the age of 15. And believe it or not, the road has not been long for me. On the contrary. It has even been short, believe it or not. For me, playing football is the best, I enjoy it and that's why I've made it to 39. I live to give joy to my Sevilla and the Spanish fans. And if it hadn't been for my hip, I would have continued, that's for sure. That's why it was very difficult for me to say: this is the end here. But it's not something new, I had been suffering from this for four years and, honestly, I couldn't take it anymore.

Before, when I looked at the games played, I did not count the countless games of my training, those that I attended accompanied by my grandfather Antonio, who also took me to training. These are moments when unforgettable memories come to my mind with my parents, Paco and Aurora. Thanks, mum, thanks dad. I only hope I have been able to return the love with which you have treated me all my life. I trust that you are proud of your five children - Paco, Marco (thank you brother for your help on the road we traveled together), Jesús, José Mari and Javi - and that my behavior and my commitment to the family make you happy. Those values that you taught me, not to change and to be the same from day one, are the same values that I now pass on to my children.

Then came into my life the person who brings me balance and moderation, my love. I want to thank Alejandra who never left me alone, even in the worst moments. In difficulty I have counted on her, she has helped me, she has understood me and has put up with me because of how I live football. She has put up with my bad moments, my mood swings and loneliness. When we lose, I don't want to see anyone. It is not easy to coexist in those moments and Alejandra, you have shown me that you understand me like no one else in this world. Thank you for your patience and thank you for loving me so much. Ale, with you we have formed a family with Jesus and Romeo, my two little ones, my two jewels, the reason of my life. Together with your mother, we instilled in you the values we grew up with. Passion, respect and humility are not lacking in your education. And besides, you are Sevillistas." 

For me these six months have been a gift knowing the problems I have endured. I have been suffering from hip problems for several years, but in the last few weeks the condition has worsened, it has been getting worse. Returning to training and playing has been very difficult, but very emotional at the same time. Why leave in December?  What I wanted was to accompany my teammates in this stretch. We came from two very difficult years and I wanted to be with the team, to help in this transition to help the younger players and to pass on my experience of how I understand how great Sevilla FC is.

Since the first moment, Joaquín Caparrós, who gave me the opportunity to fulfill the dream of making my debut in the first team, I have worked with many coaches and I have learned from all of them. My debut came at Montjuïc against Espanyol, I came on for Paco Gallardo, and since then we have achieved many things. Perhaps the first Europa League, after so many years, may be the most special for giving that joy to the fans? But all titles are wonderful.

I do not forget the very hard personal moments that I have had to overcome, the painful losses of Jose Reyes and Antonio Puerta. I decided to wear Puerta's number because my desire has been to give my all for him in every game. And that's what it has to be, to give joy to the fans in their memory and in the memory of two Sevillistas who left us too soon and too young.

My adventure in Manchester was very fulfilling The help, among others, of the coach, Manuel Pellegrini, allowed us to win and enjoy ourselves away from home. I belong to only one club, but I have to divide my CV between two teams. At City I was happy and matured as a player and as a person. I will be enormously grateful to the people and the fans for all the affection they showed me.

South Africa 2010, that afternoon at Soccer City in Johannesburg, will remain engrained in the memory of all Spaniards. Participating in the goal was the icing on the cake of a historic feat for our football. I'm not forgetting Kiev, another unforgettable memory. However, this last period with Luis de la Fuente's national team has filled me with great joy. It has been a time of dedication and sacrifice until the end, with a happy ending. For that reason, it has been incredible playing for my country. The memories remain intact and we are proud to have made so many people happy.

I end by thanking all the club's employees, all those who have been working tirelessly for months to organise today. Thank you all very much. I leave the most important thank you for last. Yes, you, the Sevillistas who live every day with passion, with emotion and with the energy of sharing this glorious feeling. Because no one is greater than you. Nobody feels the way you feel. Nobody loves this red-and-white family as much as you do. No one feels the pride of football in this city more than you do. No one better than you to guide us on the road to success.

They say that we never give up, so my greatest wish is that the team maintains the legacy that I have tried to give every day, which is to give everything on the pitch, until the final whistle. May these players and the ones to come do the same so that you can carry them on your shoulders. Make an effort and do not give up, dignify this shirt and this badge. Always in my heart because you will never forget: I will be a Sevillista until death. I will miss you very much. Come on my Sevilla.