I’m Rafael Nadal’s uncle who became a legend in a different sport, but he normally wanted me to lose
MIGUEL ANGEL NADAL became a legend during his football career but his nephew normally wanted him to lose.
The former Spain defender is the uncle of tennis icon Rafael Nadal.
However, the ex-footballer spent eight years with Barcelona, bitter rivals of Nadal’s beloved Real Madrid.
As a result, their was often a light-hearted divide within the family.
Miguel won 16 trophies with Barca, including the European Cup and five league titles.
Meanwhile, the 22-time Grand Slam winner was raised supporting Los Blancos and even once planned to become their club president.
Recently asked about Nadal’s love of Real, Miguel told AS: “My brother and his father, Sebastián, was a big Real Madrid fan since he was little and made sure his son followed the same path. Immediately he put a white t-shirt on him and he loved it.”
As for converting him to the Blaugrana, he added: “We tried, but there was no way.
“I managed to put a Barça shirt on him and he didn’t put on a very good face. Then I realised it was a losing battle.
“Since he was a child, he was already a fixed-gear player with Real Madrid.”
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Miguel also admitted that his success with Barca likely “annoyed” his young nephew whilst growing up.
The 57-year-old continued: “I suppose he would be happy about his uncle’s successes even though he was a big Real Madrid fan.
“He lived and suffered the two Leagues that Madrid lost in Tenerife when he was very young.
“I imagine that he annoyed him, but I also want to believe that he took comfort in knowing that I would win them along with my teammates of the time.”
Away from football, Nadal has been forced out of this month’s Australian Open.
The 37-year-old confirmed his withdrawal at the weekend, having planned to make his Grand Slam return in Melbourne.
Nadal, who is expected to retire at the end of this year, had made his comeback at the Brisbane International after almost 12 months out with a hip injury.