Jesus Navas confirmed he will retire from international duty following Spain s Euro 2024 final showdown with England on Sunday.
The 38-year-old, who will bring the curtain down on an international career spanning 15 years, is the last remaining member of La Roja s 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship-winning sides.
Navas has appeared three times for Spain during this tournament, captaining the side in their final Group B game against Albania, while deputising for the suspended Dani Carvajal at right-back in the semi-final win over France.
The Sevilla wing-back, who will call time on his professional career later this year, admitted he has played through the pain barrier in recent years.
Speaking ahead of Sunday s final, Navas highlighted similarities between Spain s current crop and the side that won three successive major international honours from 2008 to 2012.
Although, he only lifted the lid on his international future following a conversation with skipper Alvaro Morata.
¡¡ALLÁ VAMOS, FINAL!!
La expedición de la despega hacia Berlín. |
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol)
[Morata] told me that it was time for me to speak since it is my last game with Spain! he told reporters during the pre-match press conference.
I have been having a problem with my hip for four or five years, but playing for my country is everything for me.
I just want to leave everything on the pitch. You have to die for every moment here, for your team and your country. It is the biggest thing, and I am so proud of that.
Afterwards, everything hurts, but it is about giving it all you have on the day, to be the same person with the same kind of humility.
I am excited about everything that I have done in football and in the national team. Being here as a 38-year-old is unique and incredible.
In those years of success, we were a team both on and off the pitch. That was noticeable when we played, and it is the same here.
