Spanish football club Sevilla confirmed on Sunday that they wish to keep their captain and legend Jesús Navas with the team for life. Sevilla announced last Thursday that Navas, who holds the record for the most appearances in the club's history, will leave at the end of this season. The player later published a statement on his social media accounts on Friday evening criticizing the club.
Navas stated, "I have received no contact" from the club regarding an extension of his contract, which expires in June.
The international right-back denied agreeing to any offer to play elsewhere and expressed his desire to focus both "physically and spiritually" on playing for the Spanish national team in the upcoming European Championship hosted by Germany next month.
Sevilla's president, José María Del Nido, commented on Sunday, "It seems there is a misunderstanding for which I will take responsibility, as I know Jesús is suffering a lot." He added, "If I sit down with Jesús for a minute, we will turn this situation upside down."
He continued, "From here, I offer him a lifetime contract so that he can play here as long as he wants and work here later in whatever he wishes, because he deserves to be in Sevilla as long as he wants." He concluded, "If he wants to stick to his decision (to leave), I will respect that."
The 38-year-old has won eight titles during two stints over 17 seasons with Sevilla, where he began his career. Navas has played 688 matches for Sevilla across all competitions, including his 500th La Liga match earlier this week. With the Spanish national team, Navas won the 2010 World Cup, the 2012 European Championship, and the 2023 UEFA Nations League.
