“Thank You Pau Gasol” Rafael Nadal pays tribute to the Spanish basketball player on his retirement

“Thank You Pau Gasol” Rafael Nadal pays tribute to the Spanish basketball player on his retirement

Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol

20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has been a lifelong sports fan, which is not a secret. The tennis superstar takes a keen interest in various sports including golf, football and basketball and is often spotted in the stands cheering on. Coming from a family of sportsmen, Nadal has picked up the trait to be updated in various sports.

Nadal like many other Spaniards has been a fan of Pau Gasol, one of the most decorated basketball stars from Spain. Gasol over his career of 22 years won the 2006 World Cup title, won the EuroBasket title thrice, 3 Olympic medals including 2 Silver and 1 Bronze. He was also awarded the MVP title at the 2006 World Cup and has two MVP titles at Euro Basket, an all-time record.

Gasol also was a highly successful player at the Club level and played in the NBA as well, becoming back-to-back champion in 2009 and 2010 with the L.A. Lakers. He made 6 All-Star appearances and was also awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2002. A great inspiration for basketball fans around the world, Pau has finally called it a day on his 22-year long career.

With tributes pouring in for his successful career, Nadal also congratulated and thanked Pau for his contribution not only to basketball but towards sports in general as he has been one of the most popular Spanish athletes. Nadal took to his Twitter handle to thank him and pay his tribute. “A great legend of our sport retires! Much to say, but above all,” wrote Nadal.

Rafael Nadal continues his recovery from the toe injury

Rafael Nadal with Pau Gasol
Rafael Nadal with Pau Gasol

Nadal’s injury at the 2021 French Open kept him out of action for few weeks after which he made his comeback at the 2021 Washington Open but lost in the 3rd round. His injury had not been healed and he had to withdraw from the next tournaments as well in order to stay fit for the 2021 US Open, hoping to play in New York for the first time since his title run at the 2019 US Open.

But to the disappointment of the fans, he did not recover and not only pull out from the final Grand Slam of the season, but he also had to end the season as well so as to be fully fit going into the next season. Fans are now waiting to see him back on the court at least for practice to get some glimpse of his on-court brilliance.

Also Read: Find Out: Which record does Rafael Nadal continues to hold over Djokovic and Federer