Rafael Nadal announced Thursday that he was going to put away his racket at the end of the final phase of the Davis Cup scheduled for Malaga (November 19-24). At 38 years old, however, the Spaniard still has many good years ahead of him. How will the master of Roland-Garros (14 titles at Porte d’Auteuil) spend his days next? Asked about this in the show El Objetivo on Sexta, the future retiree, as reported by “So Foot”, replied: “If you ask me if I would be happy to be president of Real Madrid, I would tell you that Yes. Of course I’m looking forward to it, but it’s not in my life plan. If life gives me the opportunity and the conditions are right, definitely….”
Nadal’s love for Real is not new. Since he was little, the Majorcan has been a fan of the Merengue. The man with 22 Grand Slam titles goes to the Santiago Bernabéu as soon as his schedule allows. And this admiration is mutual. The Madrid club paid tribute to the Manacor bull in a press release.
“Real Madrid CF, its president and its board of directors wish to demonstrate their admiration and affection for one of the greatest legends of Spanish and world sport of all time,” writes the Spanish champion. It is and will always be a source of pride that a legend such as Rafa Nadal represents our club as an honorary member.
Toni Kroos also praised the tennis champion, reports “Marca”: “What an example as a player and especially as a person! See you soon, Rafa.” The end of the message from the German, who retired from sport after Euro 2024, with this “See you soon”, has also caused a lot of ink to flow in Spain, opening the door to numerous interpretations.
To become the president of the club with the greatest record on the European scene, three conditions are necessary, reports “So Foot”. The first, which is validated, is to have a Spanish passport. To fulfill the second, you must guarantee 15% of the club’s budget. According to the Iberian press, the latter amounted to 939.5 million euros during the previous financial year. Nadal should then guarantee 141 million euros. By far not impossible, the 38-year-old Spaniard being one of the highest paid athletes in the history of the little yellow ball.
According to “Forbes”, its extra-sporting revenues will reach $23 million in 2024, thanks to its partnerships with renowned brands and its investments in companies. Not to mention that “Rafa” recently signed a contract with the Saudi Tennis Federation.
On the other hand, the Mallorcan does not meet the third condition: you must have been a member of the Madrid club for at least 20 years. As he became in 2011, Nadal will have to wait until 2031 to be eligible. Florentino Pérez will then be 84 years old…
