Real Madrid & Cristiano Ronaldo send personal messages to retiring Rafael Nadal | OneFootball

A whole host of leading entities in Spanish football have on Thursday forwarded messages of well-wishes to tennis great Rafael Nadal.

This comes after the Spaniard this morning announced his decision to call time on a legendary playing career.

With 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, Nadal steps down as one of the greatest to ever step foot on the court, his legacy as a sporting great firmly cemented.

In turn, it should perhaps not come as a major surprise to hear of those from Real Madrid – a club whom the 38-year-old has always publicly supported – leading the tributes to Nadal.

Los Blancos themselves unveiled a statement across their website and social media platforms this afternoon, as follows:

‘Following Rafa Nadal’s announcement of his retirement from professional tennis after the Davis Cup which he will be playing with Spain in November 2024, Real Madrid C. F., its President and its Board of Directors wish to express their admiration and affection for one of the greatest legends of Spanish and world sport of all time. ‘For us and for all Madridistas, it is and will always be a matter of pride that a legend like Rafa Nadal represents our club as an honorary member of Real Madrid.’

As much was soon followed by a number of Real stars past and present following suit, with just some of the highlights (with credit to Madrid Xtra on ‘X’) showcased below:

Conor Laird – GSFN