Costa Rica’s star goalkeeper and perhaps its most recognized athletic figure, Keylor Navas, is on the move.
Navas has left Real Madrid for Paris Saint-Germain F.C., better known as PSG, the French club announced on Monday.
🆕🧤
🔴🔵 #ICICESTPARIS pic.twitter.com/f6e1fjTtg9
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) September 2, 2019
News of the imminent move was reported last Wednesday by the daily La Nación. Navas reportedly completed his physical in Paris on Monday ahead of the signing becoming official.
“If God changes our plans, it is because something will improve,” Navas wrote. “I’m wishing to start a new path and make history with PSG.”
Si Dios cambia nuestros planes es porque algo va a mejorar. Deseando comenzar un nuevo camino y hacer historia en PSG
Lorsque Dieu change nos projets, c’est que quelque chose va s’améliorer. J’ai hâte de commencer un nouveau chemin et de faire histoire dans le PSG #ICICESTPARIS pic.twitter.com/GhH6hnFO3N
— Keylor Navas (@NavasKeylor) September 2, 2019
At PSG, Navas joins international stars Kylian Mbappé, Edinson Cavani and — at least for now — Neymar. The French club has won Ligue 1 eight times and is two-time defending champions.
In Navas, PSG receives a veteran goalkeeper with years of success in top-level soccer.
Following an impressive campaign with Levante and a stellar performance at the 2014 World Cup, Navas signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid, becoming the first Tico to play for the storied Spanish club.
Navas became Real Madrid’s regular starter during the 2015-16 campaign and held the position through 2018. During that time, Navas and Real Madrid won the Champions League in three consecutive years.
But in August 2018, Los Blancos signed Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois, and Navas’s role with the club has diminished since.
“Keylor Navas has been part of one of the most important stages in our history, during which he has won 12 titles, including three European Cups,” a Real Madrid statement read.
“Real Madrid wishes you the best in your new career.”
Navas and his former club won’t be strangers for long. PSG will face the Spanish side on Sept. 18 as part of Champions League play in what has suddenly become a must-watch match for Navas fans everywhere.
And if you’re in Costa Rica over the upcoming years, expect to see a marked increase in PSG kits throughout the country.
This story was updated with statements from Navas and Real Madrid.
