Real Madrid star Lucas Vazquez called Rafael Nadal tennis ‘GOAT’ while Mbappe and Vinicus congratulated him for his wonderful career.
It is no secret that Rafael Nadal was partial when it came to football. The ‘King of Clay’A is an ardent fan of the Spanish football club Real Madrid. He oftened the Santiago Bernabeau when the La Liga giants were playing and kept close ties with several Real stars.
Thus, when Rafa Nadal announced his retirement on Thursday, unsurprsingly several Real Madrid superstars reacted immediately. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, a Real Madrid legend, was among the first to congratulate the Spaniard for an amazing career. Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer of the club and a friend of Nadal’s over the years.
Soon after the 22-time Grand Slam winner made the retirement announcement on Instagram, Cristiano Ronaldo shared his feelings in the comment session. Reflecting on the achievements and influence of the tennis great’s career, CR7 wrote, “Rafa, what an incredible career you’ve had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world. It has been an honour to witness your journey and be able to call you a friend. Congratulations on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!”
However, it was only a matter of time before more Real Madrid players showed up on Rafa’s comment session with similar statements.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, two of the best footballers of the current generation also congratulated Nadal for a stupendous career.
“Congratulations on your career Rafa, an example as a player and person. Enjoy your retirement. You will always be a legend,” French World Cup winner Mbappe, who recently arrived at the Spanish capital from PSG, wrote.
Sharing similar feelings, Brazilian winger Vinisicus said, “LEGEND!!! Congratulations for everything. It has been a pleasure to see you for so long at the highest!! You are an example to all. Thank you for so much!!”
Lucas Vazquez, the duo’s senior teammate stated that, “Congratulations on your career Rafa! You are the greatest example of sports values! Thank you for having made us enjoy tennis so much and represent Spain always! You are a real GOAT
Rafael Nadal announces retirement
Nadal was forced to miss Grand Slam tournaments in 2023 and 2024, owing to his injuries. Nadal also has a rare degenerative condition called Mueller-Weiss syndrome, which affects the bones in the feet.
Nadal, who won a record 14 French Open titles, had said previously he expected to retire this year after a hip injury that required surgery limited his appearances in 2023.The 38-year-old was a surprise selection for the Nov. 19-24 Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, after last competing at the Paris Olympics in July and subsequently missing the U.S. Open and Laver Cup over fitness concerns.
“I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said in avideoposted on social media.”The reality is it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations.”It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make, but in this life, everything has a beginning and an end, and I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined,” added the former world number one.
