Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas says it has been difficult being at home to watch his Costa Rica teammates exit at the group stages in this summer's Copa America Centenario.
Navas missed the tournament entirely after it was decided that he should sit it out in order to have an operation on a heel injury which had been troubling him through much of the 2015-16 club season.
Costa Rica ultimately exited the tournament at the first stage only taking four points from three group games - a 0-0 draw with Paraguay, 4-0 hammering by the United States and an ultimately futile 3-2 win over Colombia.
It's a stark turnaround from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in which Navas' side reached the quarterfinals.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV Navas said that it was a "shame" he had not been able to contribute this time, but it would not have been fair to the squad, knowing he was not at 100 percent fitness.
"It's a shame not to be with the national team," Navas said. "You always want to play for the national side. Taking part in tournaments at which you represent your country is the biggest source of pride for any footballer, but I've been dealt this difficult situation.
"You never want to be out injured, but I had to have an operation and I wanted to do be honest with myself and my country. Joining up with them without being 100 percent fit and not being able to give my all wouldn't have been fair on my teammates. I'm having to watch it from afar and that's sad for me."
With the operation to deal with a long-term tendonitis problem in his heel having been a success, Navas is at least ready to join preseason training on July 15 -- also looking much likelier to be first choice in the coming season, with previous Real target David De Gea staying at Manchester United.
The aim for 2016-17 was the same as always at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Navas said -- to win more trophies.
"You've always got to be focused," he said. "We've had time to enjoy ourselves. Now we've got to focus on the present and for me personally it's all about getting back to fitness.
"We have to start thinking about preseason and preparing ourselves well. A new season is upon us and it's one in which we all want to continue winning silverware."