Keylor Navas on his Newell’s debut: “I’m in perfect condition to play”

Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas, introduced on Friday by Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, expressed confidence in his physical condition and readiness to start playing for his new club.

Navas, who has been a free agent since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, stated that despite being without a team for the past six months, he continued to train and maintain his fitness. “I was out of action at the team level, but I kept working and training hard,” the 39-year-old said during his press conference.

A New Opportunity with Newell’s Old Boys

Navas, a multiple-time champion with Real Madrid and former player for clubs such as Levante and Nottingham Forest, emphasized his enthusiasm for joining Newell’s. “I feel a lot of strength and desire, and I am ready to step into the goal right away,” he added, offering himself to the team’s coach, Mariano Soso. Navas also revealed that before finalizing his move, he spoke with Lionel Messi, who emerged from Newell’s youth system and shared a locker room with the goalkeeper at PSG.

Emotional Welcome and Anticipation for the Future

At Newell’s debut match in the Argentine Apertura Tournament, which ended in a 0-1 defeat to Independiente Rivadavia, Navas was warmly received by the fans, who cheered him during halftime. He expressed his gratitude for the “incredible” welcome, admitting that it gave him goosebumps.

The goalkeeper was officially presented by club president Ignacio Astore and sports advisor Rubén Capria, who emphasized the importance of having such a high-profile player join Newell's. Capria described Navas’ signing as a benefit not only for the club but for Argentine football as a whole.

Key Facts from Keylor Navas’ Presentation at Newell’s

• Keylor Navas was presented by Newell's Old Boys on Friday, having joined after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
• The 39-year-old goalkeeper confirmed he is in perfect condition to begin playing immediately.
• Navas emphasized his fitness, despite spending the last six months without a team, continuing to train and maintain his form.
• He had a conversation with Lionel Messi before joining Newell's, recalling their time together at PSG.
• Navas received an emotional welcome from Newell’s fans during his first appearance at their debut match.
• He was introduced by club president Ignacio Astore and sports advisor Rubén Capria.
• Capria stressed that Navas’ arrival will benefit not just Newell’s but Argentine football as a whole.