Jesus Navas has signed a lifetime contract with Sevilla, joining other players who signed life time contracts with a football club.
Navas looked to be heading for the exit door after Sevilla failed to offer him a new contract initially.
The Spanish club even published a lengthy message to announce Navas’ departure from the club just two days ago.
“Jesús Navas will leave at the end of the current 23/24 season. Our captain announced the decision this morning to all the players and staff at the Ciudad Deportiva.”
Navas’ Sevilla Love story
Jesus Navas started his career at Sevilla, making almost 300 appearances in ten seasons after progressing from the academy.
He left to play four years at Manchester City before returning to his boyhood club Sevilla for a second spell. The spaniard recently reached 600 starts for Sevilla having played a total of 688 games.
Jesús Navas is the most decorated player in the club’s history with a total of eight trophies. His haul includes four UEFA Europa Leagues, two Copa del Reys, one European Supercup and one Spanish Supercup.
He has also appeared the most times for the club, and is the clubs most internationally recognized player. He has played 51 times and won three trophies, the World Cup, the European Championships and the Nations League.
The club’s initial send off message continued as follows:
“The club would like to wish Jesús Navas the best as embarks on a new professional chapter. We as well thank him for his commitment, professionalism and honesty with which he has shown throughout his career and for which he is one of our all-time greatest symbols.”
“The club will always open its door to Jesús Navas at any time in the future and Sevilla will continue to always be his home.”
Jesus Navas adds to list of players who signed life time contracts
It appears the club has opened the door sooner than expected after offering him a new deal. The reports suggest he spoke to Sevilla President José María del Nido Carrasco, which prompted the club to agree a deal.
The deal allows him to play until December 2024 after which he can work in any job role he likes for Sevilla. All the wages earned in the last months will be donated to the Sevilla foundation as per Fabrizio Romano .
He joins fellow Spaniards in Pepelu (Levante), Iker Casillas and Raul Gonzalez (Real Madrid), as well as Andreas Iniesta(Barcelona) to sign life time contracts.
As it has proven in other situations, it doesn’t always end well. Casillas left a respectable 8 years later, Raul left in two and the rest just one year later.
With Navas having agreed to play for just another few months, this deal looks set to be ideal for all parties involved.
