Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas was officially unveiled on Friday as the newest addition to Newell's Old Boys, a club famously associated with Lionel Messi. At 39 years old, the former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain star assured fans that he is in "perfect condition" and eager to embrace the challenge of competing in the Argentine Liga Profesional.

A Confident Comeback with Vast Experience

"Although I’ve been away from competitive football for some time, I kept training hard and staying in shape. I feel strong and motivated," Navas said during his presentation. After spending half a year as a free agent following his departure from PSG, the Costa Rican veteran emphasized his readiness to contribute immediately under head coach Mariano Soso.

Navas also expressed his respect for Newell's storied history, highlighting the legacy of great players like Lionel Messi, his former PSG teammate. "I knew about the club, its history, and the legends who played here. Before coming, I spoke to Messi, and he had nothing but positive things to say," Navas revealed.

A Hero's Welcome from the 'Leproso' Fans

During the opening match of the Apertura tournament, where Newell's fell 0-1 to Independiente Rivadavia, Navas was introduced to the crowd at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa during halftime. The fans greeted him with a roaring ovation. "The reception was overwhelming—it gave me goosebumps. I had heard about the atmosphere here, but experiencing it firsthand was something else," he said.

The presentation featured Ignacio Astore, the club president, and Rubén Capria, the sporting advisor and former player, who emphasized the significance of Navas’ arrival. "Keylor brings an extraordinary level of talent and experience that will elevate Newell's, our locker room, and Argentine football as a whole. His signing is a win for everyone," Capria stated.