Former Sevilla skipper Navarro calls it quits

Sevilla FC's double UEFA Cup-winning captain Javi Navarro has confirmed his retirement after losing a two-year battle with a persistent knee injury.

Fond farewell
The 35-year-old central defender made an emotional farewell during a press conference at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium. "Sevilla have given me everything over these past eight years," he said. "My time here has been a steady climb upwards and I'll never have a bad word to say about the place." Navarro did his best to remain philosophical after right knee ligament damage forced him to go back on a previously stated desire to add to the 168 Liga appearances he made for the team: "I'd have liked my retirement to come during a game this season but it wasn't to be. Now is my chance to say goodbye. Sevilla has been my home, my place of work and everything else."

Successful stay
Capped four times by Spain, Navarro joined Sevilla from Valencia CF in 2001 and went on to enjoy considerable success in cup competitions. Allied to UEFA Cup triumphs in 2006 and 2007 were victories in the 2006 UEFA Super Cup and, the following year, the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey. It was during the final of the latter competition, against Getafe CF, that Navarro made his last appearance for the Andalusian side. "It would be a pleasure if at some point I could help out in some way at Sevilla and return something of what has been given with me during my time here," he added.