Spanish football icon Jesús Navas has on Sunday evening moved to reveal his appreciation for both Real Madrid as a club, and the Blancos faithful.
This comes after the 39-year-old was afforded a fitting farewell to the game by the La Liga champions earlier today.
Sevilla made the trip to the Santiago Bernabéu this afternoon, for their final outing of the calendar year.
The fixture also marked the last of the aforementioned Jesús Navas’ legendary career, the veteran winger having been forced to hang up his boots owing to a chronic hip problem.
Real Madrid, as an institution, were therefore sure to mark the occasion with a special tribute.
After being provided with a guard of honour, Navas was the recipient of a Blancos jersey, signed by each member of Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad.
The Bernabéu faithful played their part, too, affording the Sevilla man a rousing round of applause both before and after the full-time whistle.
And as much, as alluded to above, did not go at all unappreciated on the part of Navas himself.
Speaking to the media after proceedings were brought to a close in Madrid this afternoon, the versatile winger/full-back was drawn on the reception he received.
And Navas went on to admit:
“Bernabéu tribute? I’ve never seen anything like it on a rival pitch…”
From here, the Spaniard followed up with a heartfelt post on his official social media accounts, as follows:
‘What I experienced this afternoon at the Bernabéu was a blessed madness. I can’t remember ever seeing anything like it in a rival’s stadium. That’s why I feel the need to thank Real Madrid fans for their dedication & their recognition of me in a memory that will be unforgettable. I would also like to thank the club’s players & coaching staff for their participation in the tribute I’ve received. I extend my gratitude to all the employees of Real Madrid who have collaborated in the organization of the event.’
Conor Laird – GSFN