Sevilla have confirmed Jesus Navas has played his last game for the club and will sign for English Premier League side Manchester City.
While exact details of the transfer fee and length of Navas contract remain unclear, the 27-year-old right forward is set to become Manuel Pellegrini s first signing at Manchester City, as the Chilean manager looks to reboot the 2011/12 Premier League champions.
Navas, who is sixth on the list of players with the most appearances for Sevilla (395 matches), will join only his second professional club after 10 seasons with the southern Spanish outfit.
In an official release on Monday, Sevilla paid tribute to the diminutive winger, hailing his dribbling ability with impossible rhythm changes , while also reminiscing about the crucial role Navas played in the club s UEFA Cup titles of 2006 and 2007, as well as scoring a goal in the 2010 Copa del Rey triumph.
At 27, he leaves after almost a lifetime, leaving a trail of successes and as a legendary footballer in short, a unique player, the club said.
Navas transfer will raise some eyebrows as the Spain international has struggled with chronic homesickness throughout his career, which has seen him knock back opportunities with the Spanish national team, as well as away trips with Sevilla in European competitions.
But having helped Spain with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland, Navas has seemingly turned a corner in recent years.
Navas will join Manchester City after completing his duties with Spain at this month s Confederations Cup in Brazil, where he should add to his 23 international caps.
