Nobody likes being a pawn.
Real Madrid presented Keylor Navas with the No.1 jersey before the start of this season.
Rafa Benitez declared his unflinching faith in the Costa Rican for the year ahead.
The Bernabeu acclaimed Navas, on Saturday, as he pulled off a number of smart saves and saved a Real Betis penalty.
48 hours later and he was tossed in as the deal-breaker that would bring David De Gea to Real Madrid.
He was not happy with it but had to move with the tide. His club didn’t want him.
Navas was heartened to hear United coach Louis van Gaal was a fan, but he would have stayed and fought for his spot if Real had given him any indication that there was a chance.
They offered none.
When it became apparent that Real Madrid had botched the De Gea transfer, Navas reportedly contacted United and asked if a deal was still possible to bring him to Old Trafford.
He wanted shot of Real.
Navas’ father has spoken out in defence of his son and about what he perceives to be a Spanish media agenda.
Freddy Navas said, ‘They want a Spaniard in goal at Real Madrid and when they see a South American they either accept it or they don’t. They know he is the best but because of pride they cannot accept him.’
Navas Sr. was at the Bernabeu at the weekend and recalls the moment his son saved that penalty.
‘My skin was tingling and tears came to my eyes when I heard so many people shouting my son’s name,’ he said, ‘in one of the most difficult crowds at one of the best clubs in the world. He is a source of pride for all of Costa Rica.
‘Keylor told me that everybody was behind him. Marcelo, Cristiano Ronaldo, James and all the other players love him because he is very quiet and humble.’
[Hat-tips to Manchester Evening News & Sport]
