Pep Guardiola has confessed he regrets allowing Jesus Navas to leave Manchester City, admitting it was a mistake not to keep the player at the Etihad longer.
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Navas, who joined City from Sevilla in 2013 for £15 million, made 183 appearances and played a key role in their 2014 Premier League triumph. Guardiola, in his first season at City, experimented with Navas as a right-back before letting him depart after the 2016-17 campaign.
Returning to his boyhood club Sevilla, Navas solidified his legendary status, winning four Europa League titles across two spells. The Spanish international recently announced his retirement from professional football at the end of 2024.
Despite this, Sevilla’s president, Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco, offered Navas a lifetime contract, ensuring his continued association with the club in any capacity.
At 38 years and 298 days, Navas became Sevilla’s oldest goalscorer and received an emotional farewell in his final match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. Fans gave him a standing ovation, and his teammates embraced him as he left the pitch in tears.
Guardiola appeared in a tribute video during Navas’ farewell, expressing his regret. “Thank you for the gift of spending a year together,” said Guardiola. “I regret letting you leave. Sometimes, mistakes happen. Sevilla is lucky to have had such an extraordinary player and person. Don’t let him drift away; keep him close.”
Despite Guardiola ending his Premier League stint, Navas expressed gratitude toward the manager. “I grew a lot at Manchester City,” Navas said. “I’ll always be thankful to Manuel Pellegrini and Guardiola. His ideas are incredible, and he’s a fantastic coach.”
On the international stage, Navas had a stellar career, helping Spain secure the 2010 World Cup and two European Championship titles. Further endearing himself to Sevilla fans, he donated his final playing salary to the club’s charity foundation, cementing his legacy both on and off the field.