Navas: 'Zidane always believed in me'

Navas initially began by speaking about his national team, Costa Rica, he said: "Since I was little I have played football in Costa Rica, I watched the World Cups when I was a kid and I was excited about the games. So, being here now is something incredible, and it's exciting to play in another World Cup for my country. It's a dream come true."

"The first goal is to pass the group stage, which is not going to be easy because we are up against very strong teams like Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia. We want to continue making history for our country and that means doing better than in the previous World Cups. We managed to reach the quarter-finals in 2014 but lost on penalties to the Netherlands. We are going to give it our best, always playing with humility, but also a lot of passion and intensity.''

As for Costa Rica's chances of lifting the World Cup, Navas said: ''It is difficult to win the World Cup, that's true, but I truly believe that nothing is impossible. Although we are a tiny country, we have already been to World Cups and we have competed. Obviously, before every game you always get the usual nerves, but when we come up the Brazilian stars, our legs will not shake. It is not like previous tournaments.''

Navas said: ''You always have the pressure, because they always expect the best from you. They always expect me to do an impeccable job, without making a single mistake otherwise I will be judged.''

The 31-year-old said: ''For me to be at Real Madrid is a reason to be happy and to be playing for my country, where I was born, where I grew up and where my family is is a joy. I have had the opportunity to play for Real and to play in a World Cup, I can't complain.''

Navas also had took time to discuss Zidane's shock departure, he said: ''I was in Costa Rica and it came as a surprise. I will always be grateful to Zidane, he always believed in me. At good times, we celebrated and at bad times we all rallied around one another.''

''Zidane supported me all the time, gave me good advice and always greeted me with a smile. I think that is important to give someone the confidence to do their best. Now we have the memories of the time we spent with him.''

''He always gave me the vote of confidence, he always trusted me and that's a very important thing for a player. I like that he was always a very transparent person. He was also honest with the entire squad and turned this football team into a family.''

As for his own future, the Costa Rican said: ''I am a Real Madrid player and I have a contract until 2020. I have always said that I am very happy there and hopefully can continue to retirement, in this city with my team-mates.''