Sevilla have offered Jesus Navas the longest contract possible just days after it was announced the club icon would be departing.
On Thursday the Spain international, who has won the World Cup and two European Championships in his storied career, informed his team-mates and coaching staff that he was set to leave Sevilla after 21 years.
The 38-year-old began his career at Sevilla before joining Manchester City in 2013, winning the Premier League in his first season there. Four years later he returned to his hometown club, playing a starring role as they claimed the Europa League in 2019 and 2022.
And despite the player announcing his departure to fans in a tearful social media video, Sevilla’s president, José María del Nido Carrasco has since come out and offered Navas a “lifetime” contract with the club.
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Carrasco claimed that Navas could play for the club as long as he wanted to and would, upon retirement, be offered a job at the club.
The Sevilla chief said: "Every time I've spoken to the press since I became President, I've always said that the time for contract renewals would be at the end of the season.
“The past is in the past, but knowing that Jesus doesn't have an agreement with any other club and that he is a lifelong part of this club, we can look forward to a summer renewal like in 2013.
“Jesus Navas is a key part of the club and our current project. If we are able to sit down with him and talk things through, hopefully, we can amend the situation.
“I would like to offer him a lifetime contract so that he can continue to play here for as long as he wants. If he decides to stick with his decision we will of course respect that and do everything we can so that he can leave on a high.
“But I hope that Jesus stays. He deserves it and we can give him what he wants at this point of his career."
He added: "I'm sure that Jesus has many years left in the tank, and when he retires from football, he might take a job with the club.
“I may have made some mistakes with the communication, and for that, I ask for forgiveness. I think that the situation might have been complicated by the fact that the European Championship starts soon. But from our point of view, the time for contract negotiations is at the end of the season."
Carrasco reiterated: "There is always hope that he stays until he says that the decision is final. If he does leave, it will be a shame because he is a pillar of the club.
“It's the same situation with Sergio Ramos. Those experienced players who know exactly what the club is about are vital to our goals and aspirations moving forward."
Topics: Sevilla, Transfer News, La Liga
Chris Byfield