The withdrawal of tennis from Rafa Nadalthe best Spanish athlete of all time, left all racquet lovers, Spanish society and the world press in general unmoved. But if there is one place on the planet that feels the pain of goodbyes today, it is his hometownManacor.
Today was a bitter day for all its neighborswho for many years have vibrated the most with each of their triumphs. And Nadal put Manacor on the map with all his exploits. A city in Mallorca that has repeatedly had Rafa Nadal as its own showcase show the world as it is, cradle of the greatest sporting legend that Spain has ever produced.
OKDIARIO went there to find out how the news of the year affected the residents, who in November, during the Davis Cup which will take place in Malaga, will be able to cheer on your local idol one last time. They all agree on one thing: Rafa Nadal was, is and will be a source of pride for the inhabitants of Manacor.
María Antonia is one of the few residents of Manacor who is not saddened by the retirement of her compatriot. “I think now it’s your turn enjoy your family, your friends and everything you’ve fought for so farbecause he deserves it and no one gave him anything.
The announcement was not very good for María Mercedes, but she also believes that Nadal must now disconnect from tennis. “I think he’s done a lot of things with his career and with his team, both professionally and personally, but I think it was time to stop. He will do something else. It’s a shame, but everything has a beginning and an end. I wish him good luck, we will continue to love him.
For his part, Manolo had no choice but to face Rafa Nadal and his impressive record. “He was a spectacular player, an idol of this worldwatching him play was quite a spectacle. Retirement was surely bad for him, as his uncle Toni, who played through a lot of pain, once said. “It was difficult for him to make a decision.”
Antonia is another neighbor who is proud that Rafa Nadal is from Manacor. “It’s a triumph to have him in this city. I feel very bad that he is retiring because he is a very memorable person. It’s normal for people here to feel bad about his departure. But at his age, he couldn’t handle his body anymore.
As it could not be otherwise, Nadal’s withdrawal also reached all Balearic Authorities. On the one hand, the Consell de Mallorca joined in the expressions of gratitude expressed towards the tennis player. The institution recalled that the player of “Manacorí” He was named Illustrious Son by the Consell de Mallorca in 2014. in recognition of his sporting career and for being one of the best ambassadors of the island around the world.
The president of the institution, Llorenç Galmés (PP), described the tennis player as “source of inspiration» and thanked him for taking the name of Mallorca “to the top, by showing innate talent and being an example, on and off the track. » Furthermore, the manager popular assured that the tennis player’s legacy is “a symbol of effort, improvement and pride for everyone“.
“Rafa Nadal is the best ambassador the Balearic Islands could have dreamed of”
For her part, the President of the Balearic Government, Marga Prohensassured that the Majorcan tennis player Rafa Nadal is “a reference for generations of young people and the better ambassador than the Balearic Islands could have dreamed of“. Likewise, the leader of the Regional Executive defined him as “a living legend of national and international sport” and the “greatest” athlete that the Balearic Islands and Spain have produced.
We can say with certainty that @RafaelNadal He is a living legend of national and international sport. The greatest sportsman who donated this land and this country. #ThanksRafa #ThanksRafa pic.twitter.com/0qfHTI3wce
– Marga Prohens (@MargaProhens) October 10, 2024
“It is inevitable to feel sadness, but after so many years of success, we have only words of gratitude for what he gave to these islands and for allowing us to accompany him throughout. throughout his brilliant and incredible career. “He is a reference for generations of young people and the best ambassador that the Balearic Islands could dream of, taking the pride of this land and of Spain to the highest level,” said Prohens.
