Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho sends heartfelt message to Rafael Nadal after tennis legend announces retirement
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho took to his Instagram to pay tribute to Rafael Nadal as he announced Davis Cup will be his final tournament.
Follow Us
Jose Mourinho, Rafael Nadal (Images via CNN, X)
Portuguese football manager Jose Mourinho paid tribute to the retiring Rafael Nadal who announced his decision to hang up his racket on Thursday (October 10) through social media. Wishes from all corners started to pour in as his tennis rivals, and players and clubs from different sports started to laud him for his incredible career and wished him for the next chapter of his life.
The tennis community will watch Nadal play for the final time during the Davis Cup in Malaga in November. Mourinho took to his Instagram to praise Nadal for his contributions to tennis.
I played with you so many games, I fought with you for so many points and so many victories.Will miss you legend,many congratulations for such a amazing history @rafaelnadal.
Jose Mourinho posted on Instagram
When Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was asked by the Premier League last summer about the player or a team from another sport he would like to manage, without thinking much, Arteta said it would be Nadal.
Rafael Nadal for sure. He’s one of my biggest idols, role models, and I love him. I love the person, I love the sportsman. I love what he’s done for sport in general. And I’m a huge tennis fan, so for sure it will be him.
Mikel Arteta said
Jose Mourinho once said Rafael Nadal could’ve been a football player
Jose Mourinho was in the stands on the Centre Court when Rafael Nadal took on Nick Kyrgios back at the 2019 Wimbledon. The Fenerbahce manager spoke highly of Nadal, even claiming that the Spaniard could have reached heights even in football because of his incredible physical and mental strength.
He is incredible. I am happy he didn’t, but I think he could also have been a fantastic football player.
Jose Mourinho told BBC Sports
Nadal, who barely played for the last two seasons, was last seen in action during the Paris Olympics. He played the singles but lost in the second round to longtime rival Novak Djokovic (who later won the gold medal). Nadal played the doubles with Carlos Alcaraz, but the Spanish pair could only reach the quarterfinals.
He will retire as the winner of the 22 Grand Slams, only behind Djokovic (24). Nadal also has 14 French Opens, the most in the history of tennis, and has won 112 of his 116 matches at Roland Garros.
Stay Updated!
Gouri Das
(4730 Articles Published)