Rafa Nadal will be distinguished with the Grand Cross of the Order of Sports Merit, the highest recognition granted by the Spanish State to the great figures of the national sport, after this appointment has been agreed this Tuesday at the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers.
The Government spokesperson and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, announced in this way the granting of the title to Nadal. “I have left for the end an announcement that made this Council of Ministers and me as spokesperson very excited. Today the Council of Ministers has awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Sports Merit to our player Rafael Nadal. “
Montero also wanted to highlight Nadal’s sporting and extra-sporting achievements when awarding him the award. “I think there is little to mention about the resume of this athlete, this person out of the ordinary on the slopes and also off the slopes, But to make a review at 34 years old, he has to his credit 20 Grand Slam tournaments, an Olympic gold medal at the individual and doubles level, a 5-time Davis Cup winner, and a 13-time Roland Garros champion.. We are honored to transfer this distinction to him not only for the undoubted sporting merits of one of the best athletes in history in Spain and internationally, but it is also a pleasure to do so in a person who also brings together values, youth references and everything that allows that we are better. That is why today the Government makes this sporting recognition, undoubtedly well deserved for one of our national pride, such as the tennis player Rafael Nadal. “
