Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas has revealed his emotions and relief when he found out that his transfer to Manchester United fell through at the end of the summer transfer window.
Navas, who has had a terrific start to the season in La Liga under new boss Rafa Benitez, was set to be used as a makeweight in Madrid’s move for United’s David de Gea.
However, the Spanish goalkeeper remained at Old Trafford after paperwork problems meant his £29.5m transfer broke down minutes before Spain’s Monday deadline.
In a candid interview revealed by Sky about the circumstances over the botched transfer, Navas admitted he was never keen on departing the Bernabeu.
The Costa Rican 28-year-old told ‘El partido de las 12’ on Spanish radio station Cadena COPE: “I never wanted to leave Real Madrid.
“My agent told me to be alert to my phone. We had to go to Barajas, although I never actually got on a plane, I was in a waiting room. I thought that if God wanted me to leave Madrid, it would be for the best, but he didn’t want me to and I’m still here.
“I cried that night when I found out I was staying, it was a build-up of emotions. I didn’t want to leave, Madrid is my home.
“I signed the Manchester United contract on a stretcher at Valdebebas while I had my medical, but I want to write my own story at this club and win everything this season. We have things to improve, but we’re on the right path.”
