Pep Guardiola has admitted he regrets letting Jesus Navas leave Manchester City after just one season under his management. The Spanish manager, who has won 18 trophies since joining City in 2016, called it one of his biggest mistakes. This revelation, shared by Sport Bible, shows even top managers have decisions they wish they could change.
Jesus Navas joined Manchester City in 2013 and played 183 games for the club. Known for his speed and hard work, he helped the team win the Premier League in 2013/14 and two League Cups. When Guardiola arrived, he tried to use Navas as a right-back to fit him into the team. But after one season, the manager allowed Navas to leave on a free transfer. Navas returned to his boyhood club Sevilla in 2017.
In a farewell video after Navas played his final game for Sevilla, Guardiola expressed his regret:
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“Thank you for the gift of having spent a year together,” Guardiola said, as reported by Sport Bible. “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. Congratulations to Sevilla fans for having such an extraordinary player and person.”
Back at Sevilla, Navas became a club legend. He captained the team and helped them win four Europa League titles. His loyalty and leadership made him a fan favorite. Last month, Navas played his final game at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. Fans and teammates gave him a standing ovation. Sevilla’s president even offered Navas a lifetime contract, allowing him to stay at the club in a new role.
Guardiola’s regret shows how tough decisions in football can sometimes go wrong. While Navas didn’t fit Guardiola’s plans at City, his success at Sevilla proves his talent. For City fans, this is a reminder that even great managers make mistakes. For Sevilla supporters, it’s another reason to celebrate Navas and his incredible career. As Navas retires from playing, his story stands as an example of dedication, loyalty, and the strong connection between a player and his club.
