Ospina recalls his memories with Al Nassr and confirms desire to return to Saudi Arabia

Colombian David Ospina, former goalkeeper of Al Nassr, recalled the highlights of his experience with the Saudi team, discussing his relationship with teammates and the injury that affected his professional career.

During his appearance on the program 'Fi Al-Marmay' on Al Arabiya channel, Ospina expressed his appreciation for the time he spent at Al Nassr and thanked all the staff at the club for their support during his time in Saudi Arabia.

The Colombian goalkeeper announced his retirement from professional football on November 4, 2026, at the age of 38, bringing to an end a career that lasted nearly 20 years, following struggles with the effects of a chronic injury to his right elbow.

David Ospina has joined Al Nassr in July 2022 coming from SSC Napoli, and he spent two seasons before returning to Atletico Nacional in July 2024. He played 29 matches for the club in various competitions.

The former goalkeeper spoke about the competition he had with Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo in taking free kicks after training, confirming that the captain of Al Nassr consistently outperformed him during those challenges.

Ospina has chosen Croatian Marcelo Brozović as the best foreign player he has played alongside at Al Nassr after Ronaldo, pointing out the strength of his relationship with his former teammates and his pride in the experience he had with them.

The Colombian goalkeeper confirmed that a return to Saudi Arabia remains part of his future plans, explaining that the first six months with Al Nassr were positive in terms of work and results, before circumstances changed due to injury and bad luck.

The beginning of the crisis dates back to January 14, 2023, when Ospina suffered a fracture in one of the elbow bones during the match between Al Nassr and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, which required surgery in Spain and will keep him out of action for nearly a year.

Despite returning to matches after recovery, the effects of the injury continued to haunt him, before renewed pain in his right elbow during training with Atalanta in August 2026, following his transfer after leaving Atletico Nacional.

The new setback has led to the suspension of his training program, and the Mexican club has suspended its association with the goalkeeper pending the development of his medical condition, ultimately deciding to end his professional career.

David Ospina had previously indicated that his injury during his time with Al Nassr made him think about retirement, but he tried to overcome the crisis and return to the pitch, before a renewed injury brought an end to his football career.