"The truth is that these have been difficult years, especially these last two. I have not been able to play without limitations. It is a difficult decision, it took me a while to make it, but in this life everything has a beginning and an end. I think it is the right time to end a career that has been long and very successful, more than I could have ever imagined."
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These were the first words that Rafael Nadal said in the moving video in which he explained the reasons for his farewell. In the 4 minutes and 45 seconds of video that announced to the whole world his farewell to tennis at the end of the season after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Rafa condensed all the reasons that led him to this difficult and painful choice, thanking his team and his family with moving words.
"Talking about my team is a little more difficult. It has been a very important part of my life. They are not workers, they are friends and they have been by my side in all the moments I needed them. Very bad moments, very good moments, moments when they had to squeeze me, moments when they had to loosen me. We have been through so much together that it is difficult to explain.
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Family is everything to me. I think my mother made all the sacrifices she had to, so that we could have everything. My wife Mery, we have been together for 19 years. Thank you for everything you have done, you have been a perfect traveling companion in all these years of career. Coming home every day and seeing how my son was growing was the greatest strength to continue with the necessary energy. My sister and I have always had an incredible relationship.
My uncle, the reason why I started playing tennis. I think that thanks to him I have been able to overcome many difficult situations in my sports career. My father was a source of inspiration, an example of commitment and dedication," explained the Spaniard
Rafa also wanted to pay homage to his millions of fans, who have followed his exploits for almost twenty years: "I have no way to thank you for what you made me feel, you gave me the energy I needed at every moment. Everything I experienced was a dream come true. I leave with the peace of mind of having given my best, of having done everything possible. I can only conclude by saying thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone and see you soon."
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His last official tournament will be - as mentioned - the Davis Cup Finals in November in Malaga. Precisely regarding his last official event, the Spanish legend said: "I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup finals representing my country. It will close a circle, since one of my first triumphs as a professional was the final in Seville in 2004. I feel super lucky for all the things I have been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis world, my teammates, my great rivals, with whom I spent many hours and experienced many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life."
