Nadal: ‘Pau Gasol is a pioneer and exemplar of athlete values’

Spanish Rafael Nadalthe player with the most titles grand slam achieved with Novak Djokovic celebrated his figure and character in tennis history Pau Gasolwill be honored by the Los Angeles Lakers for his jersey’s historic retirement.

Nadal,friend Pau Gasol Praising the former player of the Spanish team, lakersNot only about his sporting achievements, but also about “the values ​​he has passed on” and his legacy to young people.

“Pau is one of the great historical references of our sport. lakersBut there is something more special to me. It’s that he’s a pioneer in achieving something that has never been done before in a sport like basketball where Americans were clearly the rulers. pow It brought us very close and showed the way for others to follow. His difficulty is the biggest because he did something he’d never done before,” he said. Rafael Nadalconsidered the greatest Spanish athlete of all time.

The Balearic tennis player, who has been sidelined by a hip injury, emphasizes the value he delivers Pau Gasolwith whom he has shared a time in the history of Spanish sport.

“Apart from the fact that he is my friend, to me he is a great example of all the values ​​an athlete needs to be successful. Being an example of how things are done, respecting others and treating everyone well, is an example for young people who are still sorely needed,” he added. Nadal.

for Rafael Nadal 22 title winners grand slam In addition to other great successes of Spanish sport, ” lakers take off shirt pow Incredible. It’s the most iconic team in the NBA, and the fact that they took off the jersey of a Spanish player, not an American, plus that I personally touched him so closely, made me very happy. It’s a day of excitement and celebration.”

“It’s something I’m very proud of what he’s achieved. It shows what he is. powWhat that means in the most important league in the world, and in a sport where such things seemed so far away,” he added. Nadal.

Rafael Nadal shared experiences with gasoline throughout their respective careers. “I have many memories with Pau.. I’ve seen his unforgettable matches. I am a lover of sports in general and basketball.i have thousands of memories pothe varsity team, the Lakers, and on a personal level, have been lucky enough to share some experiences with him live.

“I’ve been lucky enough to experience Pau’s career up close and that’s what makes it all the more special in a personal capacity,” he claimed. Nadal.