Real Madrid ended 2024 with a 4-2 La Liga victory over Sevilla, but the match was dominated by a post-match farewell from Jesus Navas.
The veteran campaigner confirmed his call earlier this season to retire at the end of the calendar year.
Despite the unusual setting of retiring mid-season, Sevilla accepted Navas' position, with the 39-year-old battling a chronic hip injury for the past 18 months.
Navas has spoken emotionally about his physical problems in previous reports, stating that even walking would one day become difficult as he approaches retirement.
In addition to breaking the record for club appearances at Seville, Navas ends his career 10th on the all-time La Liga list, just behind Lionel Messi, with 516 compared to 520.
With the eyes of Spanish football on him full-time, a typically gracious Navas thanked the Real Madrid fans for their respect after the match, despite the concept of seeing off a rival player.
“What I experienced at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was blessed madness. I don't remember ever seeing anything like that in a rival stadium,” he said.
“I would like to thank the Real Madrid fans for their dedication and recognition of me in a memory that will be unforgettable.”
In addition to three major honors with Spain, Navas leaves football with a string of titles with his beloved Sevilla, including four UEFA Europa League crowns and two Copa del Rey victories.
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