Navas thankful for Levante trust

Keylor Navas has thanked Levante for having faith in him after a season that saw him named the best goalkeeper in La Liga.

Navas has been linked with a move away from Les Granotes but says he is content to remain with his current club for the moment, and is focused on representing Costa Rica at the World Cup.

“Awards fill me with happiness but mostly I’ve worked to help Levante reach their target,” he told AS.

“I can’t forget that only hard work leads to this kind of thing.

“I have felt trusted by Levante and tried to reciprocate. When the coaching staff tells you you’re going to play and to prove yourself, you feel comforted. You feel safe.

“I have one more years with Levante and I’m very comfortable. I don’t know anything else. You always want to play for a big club but I’m a Levante player.

“It would be a privilege to play for [a club like Atletico Madrid]. They have had a great season and it’s a compliment to hear that the title winners have noticed you. But today I just think of Uruguay.”

Costa Rica begin their World Cup against the South Americans and Navas added he feels prepared for the tournament, in which Los Ticos will also face Italy and England at the group stage.

“I respect them all. Uruguay have impressive offensive power. Their players have already proven to be the best in the world,” he continued.

“We all know what they’re capable of. I’ve seen them on video. The key is knowing how to react and to be focused.”

Costa Rica’s second game will see Navas share the field with Gianluigi Buffon, a goalkeeper he admits he has watched closely.

“He’s a benchmark and has always been among the best,” Navas said of the Juventus stopper.

“I try to learn from every goalkeeper but if I had to choose something from Buffon it would be his ability to control the penalty area.

“It would be amazing to be the World Cup’s best goalkeeper, but I’m concentrating on beating Uruguay.”

Tags Keylor Navas
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