Costa Rica’s lineup was shaken after goalkeeper Keylor Navas announced his retirement from international football on Thursday.
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COSTA RICA LINEUP SHAKEN AFTER NAVAS CALLS IT QUITS
Costa Rica’s 29-man provisional lineup took a hit after the 37-year-old Navas decided to call it quits, ending any chances he would play his last Copa America this year.
Navas ended his international career with three World Cups in 114 appearances.
He helped Costa Rica reach the World Cup quarterfinals in Brazil in 2014.
Navas last played for the national team in a friendly against Argentina in March.
“This chapter of my life is coming to an end, I leave with my heart full of gratitude and my eyes looking forward, always carrying the name of our beloved Costa Rica,” he said.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling, difficult to accept, this stage has come to an end,” the goalkeeper added.
NAWAS PSG CONTRACT ENDS IN JUNE; FUTURE UP IN THE AIR
Nawas, meanwhile, is under contract with Paris Saint Germain (PSG) since 2019 and has spent a year on loan at Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
However, the goalkeeper’s contract is out of contract by June.
Navas has claimed three Ligue 1 titles with PSG.
This includes the team’s record-extending 12th title last month.
He had previous stints with La Liga side Real Madrid, where he won three Champions League titles.
“It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later because I know our paths will continue to cross,” Navas told his fans on social media.
“Thank you, Costa Rica, see you later, pura vida,” he added.
COSTA RICA NEEDS CHAMORRO, SEQUEIRA TO STEP UP IN NAVAS’ ABSENCE
Costa Rica will need Saprissa’s Kevin Chamorro and Patrick Sequeira of Ibiza to step in Navas’ absence for Copa America 2024.
Chamorro concedes an average of 0.71 goals for every 90 minutes that a player is on the pitch in his 43 appearances with Primera Division FPD this season.
Sequeira, on the other hand, concedes an average of 0.7 goals for every 90 minutes in his 20 matches with Primera Division RFEF Group 2 this season.
Francisco Calvo, Juan Pablo Vargas, Joseph Mora, Jilio Cascante, and Fernan Faerron form Costa Rica’s five-man defensive unit.
The Los Ticos will also look for Joel Campbell, Ariel Lassiter, and Alvaro Zamora to join Elias Aguilar and Orlando Galo at midfield.
