'There were days I couldn't walk' – Jesus Navas on career-ending injury before retirement

Sunday's match between Real Madrid and Sevilla will be the finale of Jesus Navas' illustrious career. He has already said his farewell to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, and after the confrontation at the Santiago Bernabeu, he will bring down the curtain on his playing days.

It is peculiar for a player to retire mid-season, but for Navas, it is necessary. In recent years he has battled a chronic hip injury, and he spoke about the matter during an interview with Marco.

“One is not prepared for this moment. It's a hip problem that says “this is it”, but football is something you've done all your life. It's what you love, it's a dream and I can say that I have realized all my dreams, I have achieved all the joys, but waking up and not being able to touch the ball will be difficult.

“In the end, I worked on this topic for three or four years and it's complicated. I handled it a little better, but this last year it's worse and it's much more difficult. When I play a whole game, the next day is difficult and there are days where I could not walk. And then my teammates know my problem. I try to control myself a little more, but in one game you have to go all in and that impact, that jump, is where it hurts.

Navas also took the opportunity to reflect on everything before the final appearance of his career.

“There are many emotions that come to me. I try to assimilate, enjoy the moment with my fans, with the affection of everyone and this is the most important. In the end, football is my life. I like the maximum and that's what made me reach my age please Seville and my national team, my country, giving everything for them and in the end that day will reach everyone. It's complicated.”