“I can’t take it anymore, it’s a health issue” - Spain star who won Euro 2024 decides to retire due to chronic pain making it difficult to walk
Jesus Navas has reiterated his decision to retire from football in December 2024 because of the chronic pain he has endured in recent months. The Sevilla legend was named in the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 in Germany, where he participated in three matches, including a 1-0 win over Albania.
Navas featured as a substitute in Sevilla's first four matches of the ongoing La Liga season. He got his first start in their home game against Getafe and scored the game's only goal to secure all three points for the Andalusian side.
However, Jesus Navas has stated that he cannot continue playing football for much longer. The Spanish full-back explained how much he has struggled with his health due to his arthritic hip, telling Canal Sur Radio (via Mirror):
"I've been in this situation for four years. It is wearing you down, it's getting worse, it is getting more and more continuous, more intense. It's complicated, when you finish a game, I haven't been able to walk for two or three days, which becomes complicated."
“For me, these six months were a very big challenge. I wanted to be with the team. I hope I can make it until December because every game starts to be difficult. I can't take it anymore, it's a health issue. There are days when I can't be with my children. I have it decided.”
Navas signed a lifetime contract with Sevilla in May, before winning the Euros with Spain
Jesus Navas notably signed a lifetime contract with Sevilla back in May 2024, despite an exit from the club being on the cards. The captain notably started his career in the Andalusian club, breaking into the first team in 2003.
After spending a decade with the first team, he joined Manchester City in 2013 and spent four years in England, winning the Premier League once. He eventually returned to Sevilla in 2017 and has stayed at the club ever since.
When club president Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco offered him a lifetime contract, the Spain legend agreed. Speaking about his decision, Navas said (via Mirror):
"Not for a second have I hesitated to answer in the affirmative to the proposal made by the president of my Sevilla. Yes, I want to retire at Nervion. I want to continue playing for my Sevilla."
"I willingly accept to continue to be linked to the club that I am in love with. My wish, and this is what I have told the president, is to continue playing until December in a transition to help the team."
Navas, who won four trophies with Spain and eight with Sevilla, will hope he can conclude his time on the pitch with impressive performances in La Liga, until the end of the year.