Keylor Navas has warned Real Madrid that “if I don’t play, I can’t prove my worth” following his rare appearance against Espanyol on Sunday.
The former Levante goalkeeper arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu amidst great fanfare last summer after an impressive World Cup campaign with Costa Rica.
However, he has spent most of his debut season playing second fiddle to Iker Casillas, and he admits he cannot spend another year on the substitutes’ bench.
“If I don’t play, I can’t prove my worth,” he said after the game, which ended 4-1 to Los Blancos.
“Just because I don’t complain to the Press doesn’t mean that I’m not struggling.
“I wanted to play more [this season]. I never thought about being a backup.
“It’s true that I’ve had a difficult year, but I’ve always tried to do my best and be professional.
“When I played, I tried to do my best. My [positive] attitude and desire have helped me cope.
“I hope next year will be different and that I earn a starting role. I have a contract for five years and have a positive mindset.
“It’s difficult, but I won’t give up. I hope the opportunity arises at some point. Competition is good because it helps me improve [as a player].
“[On Madrid fans’ treatment of Casillas], I hate when any of my teammates are booed.
“We’re a team and we have to look towards achieving all our objectives together.”
