Keylor Navas: "The moment I realize I can't be first choice at Real Madrid, I'll leave"
This morning, the Real Madrid keeper received the National Sports Award, the Iberoamericana Community trophy from the Spanish monarchs.
Spanish King Felipe VI presented Keylor Navas with his National Sports Award this morning - the goalkeeper received the Iberoamericana Community Trophy at the Royal Palace in El Pardo in Madrid. Following the event, the madridista, who returned to the starting XI in last night's Copa del Rey tie against Leganés and who recently renewed his contract at the club until 2021, spoke about his situation at the club - and the chance he could win back a regular place after Thibaut Courtois picked up an injury.
Keylor Navas eyeing regular role
"The day when I realize that I cannot be the first choice goalkeeper will be the day I leave. That is what I have always worked towards, but after that, there is someone who makes the decisions and it's up to us to train hard and perform well when we get the chance to play. In the meantime, you have to wait for your turn. We don't know what's going to happen (with Courtois' injury), only the coach knows what the situation is. I am at the coach's disposal 100% - we have to be united", Keylor said, adding that he is "extremely proud" to have been acknowledged with an award.
Receiving the award from the Spanish monarchs: "It's really nice - it's a unique experience which should be enjoyed. Many people would love to extend a hand to the Spanish Kings . They're very friendly, approachable and I'm very grateful".
Home attendance
Low turn-outs at the Bernabéu: "We know that our fans want to us to play well and win at home. Unfortunately, some games don't turn out quite like we want but I hope that the public comes back and fills the stadium because that's what we the players want to see. We'll work flat out from now until the end of the season so that we can win more trophies".
Renewing with Real Madrid despite not being the first choice keeper: "I see myself here for many more years. I'll always fight for my place; no one knows what the future holds - I'm living in the present. This is Madrid and I'll continue giving everything I've got".
Off the pace in the league title race
Focusing only on the Champions League and the Copa del Rey: "We can't say that because there's still a long way to go in the league. We have a hard job ahead of us but the team has the confidence to take this forward".
United dressing room: "We're fine. My team mates belief in the talent we have. Results haven't been as good as we would have liked but unity is one thing that never changes".
Possible return to the national team: "Playing for the national team is always a source of pride for me. If they call me today, I'll be there. At the end of the day, these are decisions which the coaches have to make. I'm not playing as much as I'd like but I am performing well whenever I get the opportunity to play".
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