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Monchi speaks about Jesús Navas

JOSÉ CASTRO AND MONCHI LAUD THE LEGEND JESÚS NAVAS

28/06/2021
Entradilla
The two main directors of the Club were joined by vice-presidents José María del Nido Carrasco and Gabriel Ramos, as well as board members Luis Castro and Enrique de la Cerda
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Club President José Castro and Sporting Director Monchi could not miss out on the chance to speak wonders about Jesús Navas in the celebratory event for his contract renewal. Both spoke about Navas the player, but much more about Navas the person and what he means for all Sevillismo. The President's speech was the following:

We are here today to pay tribute to Jesús Navas. Not as a farewell, as it usually the case in these events, that certainly isn't the case here. We do so filled full of delight that our captain will stay three more years with us. At Sevilla, Jesús Navas is more than a footballer. More than anybody, Jesús represents the values of our Club.

Cuerpo Inferior

Jesús Navas never surrenders, he never gives up on a ball. Jesús Navas, in spite of his long career and titles won, always wants more, he always pushes to the next level. And he does so with the passion of the very first day, with a pure love for football, as if he had not been an elite player for the last 18 seasons... Jesús Navas is the essence of Sevilla FC, for his desire for growth feeds our desire for glory.

I will never forget those magical moments in Cologne when we beat Manchester United and we qualified for the final. Our players were so happy, excited... But most of all they were happy for Jesús Navas as he had the chance to lift a trophy as captain. Jesús, I remember that dressing room praising your name, I remember great players at your feet... It was a magic moment. We had to win the sixth Europa League for Sevilla, the fans and our captain. It's often said that an image is worth a thousand words and what I saw after the United match perfectly shows what you mean for all of us.'

'Your teammates were delighted to win the Europa League but even more so to see you lift it'

After 14 seasons at home, with seven trophies won, all kinds of records broken and almost at 36-years-old, anyone would say you've done it all, that it would be hard to achieve more in our colours... But for all of us who know you, we know you have so much more to give and achievements to reach. As president I feel very proud to have secured the services of the biggest legend in our history. Jesús Navas has the right to play at Sevilla FC for as long as he wants - he has earned it. We will see how long that is, because it's more likely that football retires from Jesús Navas than Jesús Navas retires from football.

Without fear of saying something I shouldn't, I would dare to say that Jesús Navas has signed his penultimate contract extension... I hope that for the next one there are even more trophies in this room. We will keep fighting so that you can lift more trophies. Congratulations Jesús, congratulations to all Sevillistas. Today is a great day for all of us because the smile and happiness of Mr. Jesús Navas González is the smile and happiness of all Sevilla FC. Sevillistas always want more and I am sure you will keep helping us.

'The smile of Jesús Navas González is the smile of all Sevilla FC'

Monchi also gave a speech to thank the club legend: 'Many things have been said today of what Jesús represents for this Club. I won't say congratulations because it's not necessary. I'm going to dedicate the time I have to say thank you. First of all, thanks to everyone who prepared this beautiful tribute and the press department for doing things like this. It's an honour to see the care and love with which things are done at this Club. Thank you to Navas' family, you are why we're here today. Thank you to all my colleagues in sporting management, to the president and the vice-president. Thank you to the board members for supporting the contract extension.'

'But the biggest thanks goes to Jesús. As Sporting Director for everything you've contributed to these trophies here. You are an important part of everything we've experienced together. Thank you as a lot of what I have achieved is down to many teammates but in a large part to you. Thank you for, as I said to Escudero, putting on the captain's armband and leading the Club in a tough moment to convince the group of our ability. And thank you, even though you may not have known it, for being everyone's example those 13 or 14 days in Cologne. Beyond individual and collective goals, we all had a single motivation - that you lift a trophy as captain. We all wanted it and we pushed even harder to achieve it. And I hope it's not the last trophy you hold high.'