Keylor Navas Ends International Career with Costa Rica
Keylor Navas, the renowned 37-year-old goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), announced on Thursday evening that he is ending his international career with Costa Rica. Navas played for more than 15 years and was the emblematic captain of the team. This decision marks the end of a significant era for Costa Rican football.
In a heartfelt video posted on his Instagram account, Navas expressed mixed emotions about his retirement from international play. 'This chapter of my life is coming to an end... It’s a bittersweet feeling, difficult to assimilate,' he said. The video was enriched with images from his extensive career with the 'Ticos'. 'Together we wrote history by facing the best players in the world, taking the name of Costa Rica to new heights,' Navas added. He also revealed that he will be leaving PSG at the end of the season.
Glorious Career Highlights
Navas has had an illustrious career since his first selection for the Costa Rican national team in 2008. He played 114 matches for Costa Rica, including participating in three World Cups, with the last being in Qatar in 2022. One of the pinnacle moments of his career was reaching the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Costa Rica narrowly lost to the Netherlands on penalties.
His remarkable performances earned him gratitude from the Costa Rican Federation. In a public statement, the Federation said, 'On behalf of all of Costa Rica, we thank you for these 16 years during which you embodied the country with class. Great Keylor!' Navas’s former teammates and current partners, including Sergio Ramos, Fabian Ruiz, and Carlos Soler, also took to social media to praise his storied career.
Transition and Future Prospects
At the end of his contract with PSG, Navas announced on May 11 that he would be leaving the club. He played his last Ligue 1 match on Sunday in Metz, with coach Luis Enrique giving him the start. Since joining PSG in 2019, Navas has played 110 matches in all competitions. However, his role at PSG has been significantly diminished since the arrival of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in 2021.
Before his tenure at PSG, Navas spent five successful years at Real Madrid. During his time with the Spanish giants, he won three Champions League titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018, solidifying his legacy as one of the premier goalkeepers in the world.
- Though Navas has not announced his next career move, the football world eagerly anticipates what might be in store for the legendary goalkeeper. Whether he continues playing at the club level or pursues a role in coaching or punditry, his vast experience and skill set will undoubtedly be an asset.
- In his farewell address, Navas extended his gratitude to his fans and teammates, saying, 'I feel incredibly lucky and privileged for all of this.' As he transitions away from international football, Costa Rican fans will cherish the memories and achievements he has brought to the nation's sports history.
