32-time La Liga Champions Real Madrid C.F. has posted a statement of support for Rafael Nadal after France’s former Minister of Sport accused him of doping.
Roselyne Bachelot sparked outrage in the Spanish sporting world when she said on a French TV show that Nadal deliberately faked an injury to cover a failed drugs test. The comments sparked a fierce backlash from the Spanish minister of sport, Miguel Cardinal, who questioned Bachelot’s knowledge of sport and labelled the comments as “astonishingly frivolous”.
Since the comments, a wide range of organizations has pledged their backing for Nadal. The latest to do so is footballing giants Real Madrid. The team, who currently feature players Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez, released a brief statement on their website.
Real Madrid C.F. would like to express their full support to our honorary member, Rafa Nadal, undoubtedly one of the greatest sportsmen of all time in Spain and in the world.
Rafa Nadal represents the fundamental values of sport. His greatness and his incredible achievements have always been based upon a foundation of exemplary conduct, unwavering work, talent and astonishing levels of commitment.
This being the case, our institution considers the attacks made on his person by former minister Roselyne Bachelot to be unjustifiable and unacceptable.
Real Madrid C.F. consider the close ties to an idol such as Nadal to be an honour, such is his status as a symbol sporting excellence. Nadal is admired and adored by millions of fans the world over, and today our club is standing firmly by his side.
Nadal has enjoyed close ties with his favorite football team, being named an honorary member in 2011. In 2014 the 14-time Grand Slam champion was a key party in the signing of Marco Asensio for Real Madrid according to national media.
The manager of Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane, has also personally voiced his support for Nadal. Speaking about the incident, the former French international player called the 28-year-old a ‘gentlemen’.
“I feel bad for Rafa Nadal because he is a gentleman, a person that has shown the values he has and that everyone loves,” Zidane said.
“He is a professional and I know him a little. I feel bad for what they have said.
“He has to leave all this to one side and think that everyone who loves sport, loves Rafa Nadal, whether they be French, Spanish or American.”
It is understood that Nadal’s team will launch legal action against Bachelot following her controversial comments.
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