Rafa Nadal's Stark Confession in Front of Xisca Perelló: 'The Bad Moments...'

Rafa Nadal has once again taken center stage by being awarded the prestigious Laureus Sports Icon Award for his brilliant and extensive career. During his acceptance speech, Nadal spoke openly about his retirement, confessing that he doesn't miss high-level competition. However, the most striking part was the blunt confession he made in front of his wife, Xisca Perelló, about the importance of his family during his career.

The former tennis player wanted to thank his loved ones for being there, especially "in the bad moments, which there have also been." The event was full of emotions, but that phrase marked a turning point in his story. What else did Rafa Nadal say about his family and his retirement at this important event?

Rafa Nadal Confesses the Importance of His Family in Front of His Wife, Xisca Perelló

The most emotional moment of the night came during his acceptance speech upon receiving the Laureus award. With Xisca Perelló present in the room, Rafa Nadal dedicated heartfelt words to his family and his team. A speech in which he acknowledges the essential support they have provided him throughout his extensive and successful career.

Nadal expressed his gratitude for the "unforgettable, beautiful journey" that his career has been, a path where, thanks to sports, he has experienced things he could never have imagined. He acknowledged that he can sincerely only "thank the world of tennis for everything it has given me during these years that have been unforgettable."

But when talking about his team and his family, his words took on an even deeper and more personal tone. He wanted to thank them for being there "in the bad moments, which there have also been, with injuries and where you don't see a way out of some situations."

This phrase, spoken in front of Xisca Perelló, who has been his unconditional support throughout his career, takes on special meaning. In a sport as demanding as tennis, injuries are frequent and can be devastating, both physically and mentally.

Nadal, who has overcome numerous physical problems throughout his career, knows well what it is to face the uncertainty and difficulty of recovery. Acknowledging that his family has been essential underscores the crucial role of Xisca and his family in his resilience and ability to return to the top time and again.

Rafa Nadal Clarifies That He Doesn't Miss Tennis

Since his retirement, many have wondered how he is handling this new stage. During the press conference, Nadal clarified that it was a well-thought-out decision: "I needed time to know that the decision I was making was the right one. I would have handled it poorly if I thought that instead of being on the couch, I should be playing," he commented.

These words reveal an inner peace that not all athletes manage to achieve after saying goodbye. Nadal decided to stop when he knew his body no longer replied at the necessary level. "I finished with the peace of mind that I gave everything I had inside," he clarified.

The most striking point of the speech was, without a doubt, his statement about whether he misses competing. "I don't miss tennis, in fact, I miss it zero," he declared without hesitation. A phrase that many did not expect to hear from the athlete who lived for and by this sport.

However, he explained naturally that this emotional detachment doesn't stem from fatigue or resentment. "Not because I ended up tired or at odds with tennis, not at all. I finished happy, and if I could have continued playing, I would have because I was passionate about it, but when you realize you can't, you close the chapter," he commented.

Rafa Nadal has closed a chapter with gratitude and without nostalgia, but making it clear that nothing would have been the same without his family. His confession in front of Xisca Perelló reveals that, behind the trophies, there are silent battles and loves that make them more bearable.