Navas relishes Real Madrid challenge with 'humility'

Madrid, Aug 4 (IANS) New Real Madrid signing, Keylor Navas arrived in Spain Monday promising hard-work and "humility" as he prepares to battle to become first choice goalkeeper at the club.

The Costa Rican international ended several weeks of speculation and officially became a new Real Madrid player when the club confirmed his signing Sunday night, reports Xinhua.

The news came at the end of a day when the headlines had centred on the fact that Diego Lopez looks likely to leave the club after Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Iker Casillas as his goalkeeper for the European Supercup, despite Casillas' poor display in a 1-3 defeat to Manchester United Saturday night.

Navas will now go head-to-head for a place in the first team against the experienced Casillas, although he has taken nothing for granted.

"It is going to be hard to be first choice, I am coming to Real Madrid to work with all humility. Now what I have to do is pass the medical tests, sign and get back to work."

Navas was the most effective goalkeeper in the BBVA Primera Liga last season, with a series of stunning saves for his former club, Levante, and he backed his league season up with some magnificent displays as Costa Rica reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup this summer in Brazil.

Those performances caught the attention of the world's major clubs but Real Madrid have moved the most decisively to offer him a deal until the summer of 2020.

"Six years gives you a lot of calm," said Navas, who admits wants "to learn from the Real Madrid players."

"I hope I can adapt well. I am going to learn a lot and it is a great experience. I want to improve as a person and to make people in Costa Rica proud," he concluded.

Navas will be officially presented to the press and supporters Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.