“I would like to retire on the track … but I'm not on it”

Rafa Nadal, best male athlete of 2020 for the Laureus AcademyHe explained his feelings about the award granted today in a telematic press conference from Madrid, where he is competing.

“When you are young you value the prizes on the track and when you get older and see the athletes with whom you are competing for things like this, you value it much more,” said the Balearic, who defined the Laureus as “the most prestigious award at the international level”.

“I always say the same, It would be stupid to say that it is not very difficult to win 13 Roland Garros. It is clear that it will be very difficult to beat that record because many things must be done at the same time, “he said about what he achieved in 2020. “Matching Roger Federer to 20 Grand Slams I think has been the most decisive to award me the award,” he valued.

On Laureus mention the #NuestraMejorVictoria initiative with Pau Gasol who raised 14 million euros for the Red Cross to help against the pandemic, Nadal recalled that the award is “for sports reasons.” “The other are things that you have to know how to separate. But they are no less important for that. The campaign was very beautiful, many athletes joined us and it is something that will remain and will be a good example. I am always ready to help and collaborate, “he recalled.

Nadal, who will turn 35 in June, savors the present and does not think about the end of his career. “There are things that one cannot prepare. I would like to retire on the track, but now I'm not in that position although it is normal that with almost 35 they ask me about it. I am happy with what I do. When it comes time to focus my life on other things, I will do it without any kind of fear. My life off the slopes will continue to make me happy, “he predicted.