Rafael Nadal Reveals The Reasons To Support Real Madrid Than Barcelona

JAKARTA - It is common knowledge, Rafael Nadal is a big fan of Real Madrid. However, now the legendary tennis player explains the reasons why he supports Los Blancos compared to the team where his uncle played, Miguel Angel Nadal, Barcelona.

The 34-year-old man's family comes from Manacor, a town on the island of Mallorca. It was at Real Mallorca that Miguel Angel played before joining Barcelona, ​​and he then returned to the club later in his career.

However, Rafa revealed that his family had always had an interest in Los Blancos. "My father and my whole family have always been Real Madrid fans," Nadal told Corriere della Sera, launching MARCA, Monday, November 2.

"When my uncle played for Barcelona, ​​they obviously cheered him on. Then he came back to Mallorca and since then we have been divided: some are still Barcelona fans, others Real Madrid."

Nadal was also asked about his relationship with former Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he sees not as a friend but as a fellow sportsman.

"Friends is a very strong word for me," he said. "My friends are people from Manacor with whom I grew up. Cristiano Ronaldo is a colleague, a colleague."

When asked about Roger Federer, Nadal confirmed that he was one of the greatest men in sporting history and also a companion, a great rival.

Like most top athletes, Rafa plays two sports - tennis and football - but one day has to decide which one to stick to.

"I am a good footballer, but as a tennis player I am much more special," said Nadal.

"He (Nadal's uncle Toni) is very demanding (the choice I have to make) and that's lucky for me."

Rafa's record in Paris is extraordinary, having won 13 French Open finals from the 13 matches he has participated in.

"It has happened to me as it has happened to anyone else," explained Rafa. "I am a normal person, with my uncertainty and fear. I think about (what could happen) every day, against any opponent, and that helps me a lot."

However, the Mallorca-born player admits he is afraid of other things. "I'm afraid of disease," said Rafa. "I'm afraid (of the disease) of the people I love."