Nadal on Messi and his love for Barcelona
December 4th 2008 22:39
Tennis world no.1 Rafael Nadal says Lionel Messi is the best football player in the world, despite Cristiano Ronaldo winning the Ballon De Or three days ago.
Nadal, who won the French and Wimbledon titles this year, elected 'the flea' as his world no.1 in the world game because of his character both on and off the pitch.
"Messi is the best footballer in the world. I see him as a normal, humble person," Nadal says.
"He doesn't go looking to be a star and that is important for me."
Installed at the pinnacle of men's Tennis, Nadal took some time out to talk football.
Although he has already admitted to being a massive Real Madrid fan, the Spaniard also confessed he has a weak spot for rivals FC Barcelona.
"Yes, I am also a Barca supporter, you can write it down now. I follow them because they have treated me marvellously and they actually make me feel part of their family."
In a year that has seen him claim two Grand Slam titles and the world no.1 ranking, Nadal is resting on the aftermath of his knee surgery which forced him to miss the Davis Cup final against Argentina.
As he recovers, Nadal will be thinking about the task that awaits him in season 2009, when he starts the year as the world no.1 with Roger Federer hot on his heels.
It seems though if anyone can hold off Federer for an entire year, let alone gain his world no.1 crown after four straight years, it is 'Rafa'.
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