Sevilla confirmed on Saturday that coach Quique Sanchez Flores will leave the club at the end of the season, while captain Jesus Navas said he would remain despite initially deciding to leave.
The record seven-time Europa League winners sit 12th in La Liga, although when Sanchez Flores was appointed in December they were battling relegation in 16th.
Sanchez Flores’ contract was due to expire in June 2025, but Sevilla boss Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco told reporters that both parties agreed the coach would leave.
“I want to thank him, the club was in a very difficult situation and he was able to turn the situation around with many hours of work,” said the president at a press conference on Saturday.
“He achieved a goal that, although it hurts us to say, was difficult.”
The president also said he would offer captain Navas a lifetime contract, and the Spanish international quickly confirmed he would remain at the club he “is passionate about”.
On Thursday, Sevilla announced that their record appearance holder would depart at the end of the season, before Navas released a statement on social media on Friday night criticizing Sevilla.
The 38-year-old said he had “not received any phone calls” from the club about renewing his contract, which expires in June.
Navas denied agreeing to any deal to play elsewhere and said he wanted to focus his “body and soul” on playing for Spain at Euro 2024 if selected.
“There must have been a misunderstanding for which I will take responsibility, because I know that Jesus is suffering a lot,” said the Sevilla president.
“If I sit with Jesus for a minute, we will change the situation.
“From here on, I offer you a lifetime contract so you can play here for as long as you want and then work here on whatever you want, because you deserve to be at Sevilla for as long as you want.”
Navas quickly released a statement saying he had agreed to play in southern Spain for a few more months.
“Not for a second did I doubt saying yes to the proposal presented by the president of my Seville,” said Navas.
“Yes, I want to retire (here)… I gladly accept to be linked to the club that I am passionate about.”
Navas said he wants to continue playing until December, before retiring, and that his salary until then will be donated to charity.
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