MANCHESTER CITY title winner Jesus Navas has declared “I can’t take it anymore” after admitting that chronic pain is forcing him into retirement.
The 38-year-old Spaniard spent four seasons at the Etihad between 2013 and 2017, scoring eight goals in 183 outings.
Navas made 48 appearances in all competitions as City scooped a Premier League and Carabao Cup double in his first season.
And he remained an important squad player until his return to boyhood club Sevilla.
After 393 games and two Europa League wins in his first spell, Navas went on to scoop two more continental cups in 301 games with the club.
He is now on a “lifetime contract” that will eventually see him move into a backroom role.
But Navas admits that could come as soon as the start of 2025 after dealing with crippling pain.
The World Cup and two-time Euro winner says he “can’t take it anymore” after spending the past six months suffering.
And Navas concedes he may even call time on his playing career before December.
The right-back said: “Hopefully I can make it until December, because every game starts to be more difficult.
“I’ve been in this situation for four years. It is a wear and tear, it is getting more and more, more and more continuous, more intense.
“It’s complicated – when you finish a game, I haven’t been able to talk for two or three days, which becomes complicated.
“For me, these six months were a very big challenge. I wanted to be with the team.
“I hope I can make it until December because every game starts to be difficult.
“I can’t take it anymore, it’s a health issue. There are days when I can’t be with my children. I have it decided.”
