Pep Guardiola, known for his meticulous approach to football management, has openly admitted he was wrong to let Jesus Navas leave Manchester City in 2017.
Pep Guardiola Admits Regret Over Selling Jesus Navas: “You Make Mistakes”
Reflecting on his decision, Guardiola shared heartfelt words as Navas, now 39, retired from professional football at Sevilla, the club where his career began and ended.
Navas joined City in 2013 from Sevilla, making 183 appearances, scoring eight goals, and providing 35 assists during his four-year stint.
A Premier League champion and two-time League Cup winner at the Etihad, Navas returned to Sevilla in 2017 after a single season under Guardiola, transitioning into a new role as a right-back.
Over the years, he became a cornerstone for Sevilla, securing multiple Europa League titles and cementing his legacy as a club legend.
As part of Navas’ retirement celebrations, Guardiola sent a touching message.
“Thank you for the gift of having spent a year together,” he said.
“You don’t know how much I regret letting you go. I would have loved for you to stay longer here, but sometimes you make mistakes.”
Guardiola’s sentiment highlights the challenges managers face when reshaping teams.
“At that time, it was an old squad, many players were past 30,” Guardiola admitted.
“It was a period of transition. But to see him now, even at 37, 38, still giving everything to Sevilla – it’s incredible.”
Navas, ever gracious, spoke fondly of his time at City.
“I grew a lot there,” he said.
“We achieved so much with Manuel Pellegrini and Pep. Guardiola’s ideas were incredible; as a coach, he’s fantastic.”
Navas’ career is one to be celebrated. A World Cup winner, two-time European champion, four-time Europa League winner, and Premier League champion, he departs football as one of Sevilla’s most cherished sons.
Guardiola’s tribute serves as a reminder of football’s humanity – even the best managers make decisions they come to regret.
For Navas, however, the journey came full circle, retiring on home soil, adored by fans, and appreciated by those who once let him go.
