Jesus Navas, who will most likely wear the captain’s armband this evening against Albania, gave an interview to the Iberian newspaper Marca, a few hours before Spain’s third and final match in the group. At the age of 39, he will become the oldest player to play for the Spanish team in a final tournament. Many topics were covered, including the match played and won against Italy.
Are you aware that you are a football legend, an institution? “The truth is that for these things I am very calm, a very simple person. I imagine that when everything is over I will be aware of what I have achieved. Now the only thing I want is to enjoy every moment.”
Against Albania you will play at 39, something that no one did with Spain in the final phase. “The story is being in the national team at all times, every moment I spend with the team. Enjoying my country is something unique.”
Your eldest son turns 12, Lamine Yamal is 16. How do the younger members of the team see you? “They ask me how I can continue with that desire and enthusiasm. This is what I want to convey to them: that they experience all this as something unique, that they spare nothing in terms of work and willpower”.
What advice would you give to Lamine Yamal? “To keep your feet on the ground. Always. With humility. And that being a good person is the key to success.”
Do you keep rivals’ shirts? “Yes. I’m not one to ask for much, but I think I have those of great players that I’ve faced or that I like.”
And many people ask you this? “Yes. I’ve been giving it to a lot of people for a few years now. I think it depends on what I’ve accomplished, but mostly for the person.”
Have you ever been surprised that a particular player asked you? “This year it happened to me with Bellingham. I said to myself: look how beautiful. These things excite me. It’s nice that someone asks you this, especially if it’s a player of that great level.”
Was the match against Italy in Gelserkirchen the best you’ve seen Spain play? “Definitely one of the best. We’ve had very good years and that enthusiasm is recovering.”
Did you put yourself in Di Lorenzo’s shoes when he faced Nico Williams? “Stopping players at that speed is very difficult. Nico always tackles you, you don’t know which way he’s going to come out… It’s fantastic that he plays for us.”
