Fernando Reges reflects on Sevilla FC’s ‘magic wand’ in Europe after retirement
Former Sevilla FC midfielder Fernando Reges described the club’s European success as having “una varita mágica” – a magic wand – in a heartfelt farewell interview just days after confirming his definitive retirement from football.
The Brazilian defensive midfielder, who hung up his boots at age 38, spoke to Sevilla’s media outlets following his retirement announcement, expressing deep gratitude for his four-and-a-half-year stint at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.
“El Sevilla fue mi casa durante cuatro años y medio. Las personas y la ciudad son sensacionales, hemos vivido momentos que jamás olvidaré, con títulos y partidos espectaculares, la pandemia que fue difícil para todos, pero fue un momento bueno para el club. Este club me ha hecho crece como persona,” Reges told reporters, according to ABC Sevilla.
Reges joined Sevilla in the summer of 2019 after departing Galatasaray and quickly became a pivotal figure in the club’s midfield. His arrival coincided with one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history, particularly in European competition.
During his time at Sevilla, Reges was part of the squad that won two UEFA Europa League titles – in 2020 and 2023 – contributing to what he referred to as the club’s “magic wand” in Europe. The midfielder likewise helped Sevilla achieve four consecutive qualifications for the UEFA Champions League.
Regarding his retirement decision, Reges revealed it had been contemplated for some time. “Respecto a su retirada, Fernando ha reconocido que es una decisión que ya tenía meditada desde que salió del Sevilla, aunque no ha dado el paso definitivo hasta ahora,” the report stated.
“Me ha costado un poco tomar la decisión. Es un momento delicado, sufrí mucho cuando salí del Sevilla y ya estaba pensando en esta situación y volví a Brasil y ya está completamente decidido. A todos los llega el momento de parar,” Reges admitted, while acknowledging his apprehension about life after football.
The former Manchester City and Porto midfielder reflected on his unexpected career trajectory when discussing his journey from humble beginnings in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil.
“Todavía no he digerido lo que he hecho, si yo me remonto 20 años atrás y veo la carrera que he tenido, no me lo he podido creer. Jugar en los mejores clubes de Europa, ganar tres Europa League… Si miro atrás, me alegro porque he podido vivir cosas espectaculares del fútbol,” Reges said, noting his surprise at achieving such heights in the sport.
Reges’ professional journey began with Vila Nova in 2005 before moving to Porto in 2007, where he won multiple domestic titles and the UEFA Europa League in the 2010-11 season under André Villas-Boas. After a stint at Manchester City from 2014-2017, he played for Galatasaray before arriving at Sevilla.
Following his departure from Sevilla in 2023, Reges returned to Brazil to play for Vila Nova Futebol Clube in 2024 before finishing his career with Internacional de Porto Alegre in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, where he played until his retirement in 2026.
The midfielder, nicknamed “El Pulpo” (The Octopus) for his long limbs and tackling ability, leaves behind a legacy as one of Sevilla’s most valued foreign players of recent years, particularly for his contributions in European competitions.
As Reges transitions into retirement, he expressed appreciation for the opportunity to spend more time with his family away from the pressures of professional football’s demanding schedule.
“Una nueva vida, diferente, sin la presión de los viajes,” he described his upcoming chapter, while admitting he feels “un poco aprensivo, sin saber lo que va a pasar, pero contento porque estoy teniendo tiempo con mi familia.”
The emotional interview serves as a poignant farewell from a player who helped define Sevilla’s successful European era, with his words capturing both the personal significance of his time at the club and the collective achievements that will be remembered by Sevillistas for years to come.
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