It is the very illustration of what is called sacred union.
Keylor Navas, fist raised, and index finger directed towards his bench where Sergio Rico is, mourning the death of his father.
The image, captured last month at PSG-Barça (1-1), after Navas rejected a penalty from Lionel Messi, has toured the television sets.
It reflects the working harmony and the strong friendship that bind the two goalkeepers of PSG.
“This penalty is for Sergio and his family.
He has my full support, ”Navas reacted spontaneously after the meeting.
After having experienced cohabitation that is difficult to read and sometimes tense among its doormen (Sirigu, Trapp, Buffon, Areola), PSG has found a suitable pair.
Between Navas and Rico, both recruited in the summer of 2019, things match, the followers of dating sites would say.
“They are a bit like two brothers, specifies someone close to the Parisian locker room.
It's rare to see that, it works, it laughs, there is mutual respect.
Rico plays his role of number 2 very well, he does everything to push Navas.
It's wonderful for a number 1 to see his lining like that.
"
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On the PSG website, Navas said this month about Rico: “In addition to being a great goalkeeper, he's a great person.
When you meet someone like him it's very hard not to get along with.
The kind of friendship romance you see quite often in a locker room.
Less with the guards.
Accomplices in training, as in family
The bond between Navas (34 years old) and Rico (27 years old) is reflected on the field, in training every day, but also outside, where it is not rare to meet them together, sharing a common passion or family moments. “Last year, Sergio and Keylor came to Seville for the Spanish Horse Show, because Sergio is passionate about horses,” recalls Paco Rico, journalist for Goal. They had slept in the countryside. Their companions were there too, they have good relations. "
The regulars at the Loges camp have clearly noticed the great complicity of the two goalkeepers who both share a life between faith and football.
“There is this religious connection, for sure, because Keylor and Sergio are both believers, abounds Paco Rico.
Keylor may be more involved, but it's very important for Sergio too.
When playing in Seville, he showed off his Jesus Christ shin guards on Instagram.
It is an image that we remember and that says a lot about the value he also places on religion.
"
Navas pushed for Rico to stay
These two have found each other. And today, if Navas is at a stratospheric level, it is also thanks to the daily work of his friend Rico. However, the joint adventure of the two men in Paris almost ended last summer. Leonardo and PSG waited until the last moment to activate the option negotiated with Sevilla in order to keep Sergio Rico. So much so that his signing for four years was initially perceived as a surprise.
Navas is no stranger to it.
On his own, the former Madrileño has taken a stand to convince his leadership of the importance of keeping Rico by his side.
That says a lot about the esteem he has for his comrade.
Rico was called upon by AC Milan and Lazio.
He stayed after a 10-game season concluded with a good interim in Final 8 and a Champions League semi-final against Leipzig disputed in the skin of the holder (3-0).
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However, he did not claim the status. Because he knows better than anyone the distance that separates him from his elder brother, from whom he is inspired every day. Rico does not task, however, in terms of statistics. This season, the usual number two has a total of 20% defeats when he is the holder (22% in 36 games for Navas). He will seek to improve this stat this Wednesday against Angers in the quarterfinal of the Coupe de France. A meeting that he will begin again in the absence of Navas (hit in the shoulder). His first supporter, without a doubt.
