Age is just a number, argues Jesús Navas, who on Thursday became the oldest player to wear the Spanish national team jersey. In this case, old age should not be seen as something derogatory, as it certainly isn't, as the Andalusian can proudly compete at the highest level at the age of almost 38. That celebration will come in November, on the 21st of that month, but the real celebration was the one he experienced in Enschede during the clash against Italy, a tension-filled and highly emotional semi-final for the footballer. At 37 years and 207 days old, he now holds the record for the oldest international player in the history of the national team. "It's very beautiful, I'm very happy. It's an honor. Consistency and hard work pay off, and that is very gratifying," summarizes the protagonist of this beautiful story.

Navas debuted in red on November 14, 2009, in a friendly match against Argentina held at the Calderon, and since then he has already represented Spain on 47 occasions. He was a European champion in 2008 and also played a key role in the World Cup final against the Netherlands in Johannesburg, proudly wearing the star that adorns the national team's badge. Now, transformed into a left back as time has passed, he joins this group that can once again celebrate a title with the UEFA Nations League. "I'm very proud. Being here is the maximum, being able to enjoy the national team and the enthusiasm I have... That's the most important thing."

He gives his all in every training session as if he were a child, the first one to pour his heart out when playing for Spain because nothing compares to that feeling. "I work at Sevilla to be able to be here. Every training session, every match... It's the most," he insists. There is no secret other than that, the consistency and the desire to stay at the national elite. "Continuing to enjoy to the fullest what you love, that's what I do. It's the eagerness to give everything, to enjoy and continue achieving success. It's a great pride to achieve important things for my national team and my country."

These days, he shares confidences with Fabián and Gavi, all three hailing from Los Palacios and Villafranca, a town that continues to produce football stars like them. For Navas, this coincidence has a very peculiar secret. "It's very beautiful, a source of pride for us and for the town. They say the tomatoes from Los Palacios are the key," he says, half jokingly and half seriously.

As the most veteran player, he is an authoritative voice for a team that also includes many young players and an experienced coach like Luis de la Fuente, whom Navas speaks highly of. "I've known him for almost 20 years. I'm very happy to see him again and to enjoy a victory like yesterday's together. He deserves it because he's working very well and with great enthusiasm. He's a coach who brought out the best in us, squeezed the most out of us, with utmost enthusiasm, and he keeps that spirit alive."

Spain, after the well-deserved victory against Italy, is just a step away from celebrating in grand style, but first, they face a tough battle against Croatia in the final on Sunday in Rotterdam (8:45 PM). "They are always a difficult rival, and they always go far. We have to be prepared for an intense match and give it our all,"