'You never know in the future' - Rafael Nadal refuses to rule out role as future president of Real Madrid FC

Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal may have hung up his racket last year, but the former World No.1 still remains heavily involved in the sport. In addition to running his Rafael Nadal Training Academy in Mallorca, the Spaniard has also taken a keen interest in the ongoings of Spanish football giants, Ream Madrid FC.

After battling with injuries during the 2023 season, Nadal announced he would be retiring at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in front of home fans. The Spaniard would lose his last professional match to Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, ending a career that saw him ascend to the top of the ATP Tour.

Following his retirement, Nadal has largely stayed out of the public eye. The 39-year old now spends time with his family, occasionally taking to the golf course to improve his game.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has been an ardent supporter of Real Madrid ever since his youth, and the Spaniard would go out of his way to ensure he could watch their matches, even during ATP events. He was also spotted at the 2022 Champions League final even though he was competing at the French Open, and would later go on to win the Roland Garros trophy a few days later.

Nadal gives cryptic response regarding potential role as president

With his love for football and Real Madrid well-known and his status in Spain, Nadal's name has often been suggested as a future presidential candidate at Real Madrid FC, taking over after current president Florentino Perez finishes his term. Although Toni Nadal, who coached the Spaniard for most of his career, previously hinted at his nephew being up for the role, Nadal remained coy when asked about those aspirations.

"I don’t think so, but maybe - you never know in the future, you never know, and we need to wait for that," said the former World No.1 in an interview with The Athletic.

Nadal is not the only retired tennis star who has made known his love for football, as Britain's Andy Murray is a well-known supporter of English club, Arsenal FC. Murray and Nadal engaged in some playful banter when Arsenal defeated Real Madrid in the quarterfinals at last season's Champions League event. The Brit was quick to text Nadal after the match, taunting the Spaniard over the outcome.

"The day that Arsenal beat Real Madrid, when the match just finished, after one second, he text me a message," recalled Nadal. "‘Hey, Rafa, haven't spoken to you in a while. Just checking in to make sure you are okay’. He’s an a**hole.”