Costa Rican football legend Keylor Navas recently spoke to the press in his home country, addressing his current situation, his bond with the national team, and a recent conversation he had with coach Miguel Herrera.
Navas, known for his composed demeanor, kept his answers somewhat ambiguous. According to Yashin Quesada, his comments to Encuentro Deportivo clearly suggest that his return to the national team remains uncertain.
“I had a call with him, but it wasn’t specifically about the national team. It was more of a general check-in. Nothing is decided yet. I don’t have an answer about whether I’ll return, and I don’t think he has an answer about whether he’ll call me,” Navas shared.
The Newell’s Old Boys goalkeeper also responded to remarks from national team coach “Piojo” Herrera, who recently praised Navas’s career.
“I’m away from the national team because I chose to step back. What I understood from his comments is that he considers me one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and that any coach would love to have me. I’m not saying I have to return, but it’s natural for the best players to be part of the national team,” Navas explained.
On his decision to leave the Costa Rican squad, Navas was open and honest:
“I made that choice because it’s what I felt was right. I needed to take a break to heal mentally, emotionally, and physically. Right now, I’m enjoying the moment I’m living.”
While Navas didn’t confirm a return to the national team, he hasn’t ruled it out entirely. For now, his focus remains on his current club, Newell’s Old Boys, where his next challenge will be a match against Boca Juniors in the Argentine Professional League.