Rafa Nadal’s breathtaking message of gratitude during his farewell in Madrid: “Forever” – El Partidazo de COPE
Manuel Santana’s trial in Madrid experienced an unforgettable night. The Madrid public was able to say goodbye to Rafa Nadal, and Rafa Nadal was able to say goodbye to the public of one of the most important Masters 1000 tournaments on the ATP calendar.
Having just finished his round of 16 match against the Czech Lehecki, Nadal admitted that he was emotional about the opportunity to play at the Mutua Madrid Open for the last time:It’s something special to play again on the court that gave me everything in every sense, including emotionally.“.
“A few weeks ago I really didn’t know if I would be able to compete in an official match again, and this week has been unforgettable. All I can do is say thank you, it was a special trip.“, stressed Nadal, who recalled that he first took part in 2003, 21 years ago, while “today, where everything was with love and unconditional support from everyone“Rafa Nadal said before five banners with images of tournaments won by Rafa Nadal and the word “Thank you” were hung on the clay court in Madrid.
“I’ll take this forever”
After banners were displayed and a video tribute was shown on the screens of the Caja Magina, Nadal, now alone in the center of the court and with the entire audience on their feet, renewed his message.
Nadal broke the ice with a joke: “It was a joke, I’ll be back next year!“and returned with words of gratitude.
“I can only thank everyone who helped me in this career, although it is not over yet, but here in Madrid I will be there for the last time. The emotions I took away from this track will stay with me forever.“An emotional Nadal also said, holding his loved ones with tears in his eyes.
“I’m lucky that I’ve been able to turn what was once a hobby into my job and do it in an outstanding way. I’ve been very lucky with everything I’ve experienced. I can’t ask for anything more“.
??THANK YOU, RAFA! @Rafael Nadal
2005
2010
2013
year 2014
2017Eternal legend in @MutuaMadridOpen #MMOPEN #TennisRTVE https://t.co/bjT5fBAYT8 pic.twitter.com/Xu55I2WMuR
— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) April 30, 2024
Nadal also wished the best for the new generations. It should be noted that his “executioner” on the night of his farewell was a player who was only one year old the year that manacori made his debut in the Caja Mágica. “I hope this sets a positive example for new generations. Sports titles and moments take your breath away, sports generate hope and emotion. And from what I see, I also triggered this emotion in all of you.“.
“The only thing I can say is thank you, I can’t say anything else. This is the only thing I feel. It was a difficult day when it came, it is a reality, but life and my body have been sending me signs for some time now that this day was about to come. Thank you very much for everything. Thank you for making me live this moment!“, he concluded before retiring to the locker room.