KIKE SALAS: "HE DESERVED TO LEAVE WITH JOY AFTER SO MUCH TIME DEFENDING SEVILLA FC"

While Jesús Navas was still being honored on the pitch, Kike Salas spoke to the official media about the crucial victory against Celta: “It’s incredible. Jesús deserves it, he’s a legend. He means everything to us. He deserves the very best, and this victory is for him, of course. Today, we had to give everything on the field, that extra effort. We also needed the win, but he needed to leave with joy after all the time he’s spent here defending Sevilla FC. That’s the way forward, he’s the role model we all need to look up to. We must keep giving our best and giving everything for this club.”

Jesús Navas, through tears, shared: "This is my life. Sevilla. I have given everything until the end. These past six months have been crazy. Even I have surprised myself with the strength and determination I've shown. I love Sevilla, I love these people. I wanted to spend this time with them and show them what Sevilla is all about. It’s amazing, the young players who have come through, you’ve seen it for yourselves. What this team and this fanbase deserve is to give everything. It was my childhood dream. Everything I’ve achieved is thanks to hard work and determination. My grandfather used to take me to training, and my family knows the incredibly tough moments I’ve been through and the courage I’ve shown. There were five years when I would wake up unable to walk. I don’t care if I can’t walk tomorrow. I love this team, and I give it my all."

He didn’t want to say goodbye without mentioning his two friends: "In the end, what has kept me going every day is continuing to bring joy to my fans, for Puerta and Reyes. I took my name off and lifted it to the sky because the number belongs to Antonio, and I’ve tried to wear it with the courage and passion he deserves. For this badge. I’m very happy because the team has been incredible."