Madrid, Sep 12 (IANS) Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez has pointed out that goalkeeper David De Gea, who has now renewed his contract for four years with Manchester United, does not belong to his team and said, after defending Keylor Navas, that he only talks about his own players.
Benitez was repeatedly questioned on Friday about the unsuccessful bid to sign Spanish international De Gea, who was on the verge of joining Real on the last day before the football transfer market closed, reports Efe.
Navas, who was leaving for United, finally stayed with the Whites and will play on Saturday against Espanyol after performing well against Betis.
Benitez said he did not have any problems with the Costa Rican and made it clear that the story of De Gea is already old news.
“I was with Keylor on the day the market closed, along with his wife and his agent and he knows the confidence that I place in him. He is 100 percent at ease and confident. I have complete faith in him,” the 55-year-old said.
“Whenever I speak I always tell the truth. I had dinner with Keylor and everything is perfectly clear between us. He knows the trust that I place in him and he is ready to play really well,” the former Napoli, Chelsea, Liverpool, Inter Miland and Valencia coach added.
“I can guarantee a series of things. I can guarantee that De Gea will not be playing for Real Madrid tomorrow. Keylor, (Kiko) Casilla and Ruben (Yanez) are our goalkeepers. I am delighted with the three of them and hope that they are not forced to work much during the games.”
