In a heartfelt reflection, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened up about his lingering regret over the departure of Spanish winger Jesus Navas, a beloved figure who left the club in 2017 after rejecting a new contract. The revelation, shared during a discussion with club executives Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain, underscores the enduring impact Navas had during his four-year stint at the Etihad Stadium. As City continue their quest for silverware in the 2025-26 season, Guardiola’s candid admission paints a vivid picture of a player whose legacy as a cult hero remains etched in the club’s storied history.
Navas, signed from Sevilla in 2013 for £15 million, brought flair and tenacity to Manchester City during a transformative period. Over his 183 appearances, he contributed eight goals and 39 assists, playing a pivotal role in the club’s 2014 Premier League title and two League Cup triumphs. His electric pace and pinpoint crossing made him a fan favorite, earning him a place among the “streets won’t forget” icons celebrated by City supporters. However, when his contract expired in 2017, Navas turned down an offer to extend his stay, opting instead to return to his boyhood club, Sevilla. “He should have finished his contract with us,” Guardiola lamented, reflecting on the decision. The manager’s disappointment was palpable as he admitted, “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.”
The context of Navas’ exit adds depth to Guardiola’s regret. In the 2016-17 season, Navas delivered a string of standout performances, prompting City to table a new deal, as confirmed by reports at the time. Despite Guardiola’s desire to keep the versatile winger, Navas chose to return to Sevilla, where he concluded his illustrious career in 2025 with a tearful farewell after a Europa League victory. Guardiola was among those who paid tribute, recording a heartfelt video message for Navas’ final appearance. “Thank you for the gift of having spent a year together,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. The message highlighted the deep respect between player and manager, forged during their shared season in 2016-17, Guardiola’s first at the club.
Navas’ time at Manchester City coincided with a golden era, playing alongside legends like Sergio Aguero and David Silva, whose statues now stand outside the Etihad. His departure marked the end of a chapter for a player Ferran Soriano, City’s CEO, described as his favorite signing of the Txiki Begiristain era. “Jesus Navas is one of those players who gave everything for the shirt,” Soriano noted during the same discussion, praising Navas’ work rate and versatility. For Guardiola, who has since led City to six Premier League titles and a 2023 Champions League crown, Navas represents a rare “what could have been” moment in an otherwise trophy-laden tenure.
The timing of Guardiola’s comments adds poignancy, as they came during a tribute to Begiristain, the outgoing sporting director who played a key role in shaping City’s modern dominance. Navas’ signing was a testament to Begiristain’s vision, blending technical brilliance with emotional resonance. As City navigate the 2025-26 season, bolstered by new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, Guardiola’s reflections on Navas serve as a reminder of the human element in football. The Spaniard’s regret underscores the fleeting nature of even the most successful partnerships, with Navas’ return to Sevilla proving both a personal triumph and a missed opportunity for City to extend his legacy.
Looking ahead, Guardiola remains focused on guiding Manchester City through a challenging campaign, with the club sitting fourth in the Premier League and facing scrutiny over 115 financial charges. Yet, his candid remarks about Navas reveal a manager unafraid to confront past decisions. As City prepare for upcoming fixtures, including a high-stakes Manchester derby, Guardiola’s nostalgia for Navas’ era adds a layer of introspection to his relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring the Spaniard’s legacy endures in the hearts of City fans.
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