Most experts believe that Keylor Navas has limited time to live as Real Madrid's shot-stopper. Nevertheless, the Costa Rican goalie seems to have other plans.
The Central American player challenged Florentino Pérez's desire to see him leave the club in order to make way for David de Gea in an interview prior to the game this Saturday. In it, Navas admits how rough it's been for him to make it here, and now that he reached the top, he's not willing to let it go.
"I have no intention whatsoever of leaving this team. I've never been the kind of guy who takes the easy way out. I'm doing fine, I've done a good job, and I want to keep it that way for many years to come. If things change, then I'll check my options and decide what to do," Navas stated.
The goalkeeper referred to Zinedine Zidane as the man who's provided him with much-needed support when times got tough, while also aiming a dig at the team's president.
It's been tough, but Zidane's calm was crucial for me. He's been very supportive, always there to help you improve. He's very respectful, it's the way things should be done," the Costa Rican player added.
Despite claims about how Saturday's clash could be Navas' final game for Los Blancos, some of Real Madrid's heavyweight players want him to stay.
Marcelo: "When he arrived, he had a tough time playing, since Iker was here. He's done an excellent and quiet job since he was given the starting spot, and now you can see what a great goalie he is."
Cristiano Ronaldo: "He's Real Madrid's goalie. You always talk about 50 players coming here, but usually, we're always the same, with the exception of 1 or 2. The other goalkeeper (De Gea) is good, but Keylor's the best."
Sergio Ramos: "He's been able to forget some tough moments and learnt from them. Let's hope he doesn't have a lot of work on Saturday, and if he's called upon, let's wish he's as decisive as he's been lately."
Whether it is his final game or not, Navas will try to make history for Los Blancos this Saturday, where he'll surpass Real Madrid legends with his second UEFA Champions League title.
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