Despite playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Keylor Navas remains wary of the impact he has in his native Costa Rica.
Zinedine Zidane only took charge of the Real Madrid first-team in January but is already building strong bonds with his players and goalkeeper Keylor Navas has praised the Frenchman’s clear footballing philosophy.
Navas and Zidane have built a close professional relationship over the past six months with the stopper performing to an outstanding level, especially in the Champions League.
His performances earned the trust of his coach with the Frenchman encouraging Florentino Perez not to pursue David de Gea in order to keep the Costa Rican as his first-choice.
“He has a clear footballing philosophy that we understand well and this helped us win the Champions League as we learned very quickly just what the coach wanted from us,” he explained.
Surpassing Jens Lehmann’s Champions League record was a huge achievement for Navas and he remembers winning the Undecima fondly.
“I try to remember everything, before reaching the final I set myself a goal to enjoy the ride and live in the moments. There were many unique moments of happiness but being champions was the icing on the cake.”
Football in Costa Rica seldom produces players that star at the highest level yet he has done that and is an icon back in his home country with this status leaving Real’s No. 1 humbled.
“It is a privilege to be thought of in such a way, I always try to do my best and I try to be a good example for all the kids. I admire them and have a big commitment to them. I hope that in the future they can become great professionals.”