Rafael Nadal’s admiration for Real Madrid is well known and it has now been revealed that the tennis legend played a huge role in the signing of Marco Asensio. The attacking midfielder played a starring role in Real Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 Super Cup triumph over Sevilla, scoring a wonderful goal from 30 yards out.
However, a year ago, when Madrid completed the signing, he was not as well known as some of the other Spanish youngsters. Words from Nadal prompted the president Florentino Perez to snap up Asensio for €3.5 million.
Also read: Top 5 Real Madrid signings of all time
"Presi, you must sign this kid," said Nadal on a call to the President according to reports from La Sexton. After Madrid confirmed the deal, former Barcelona player and Mallorca director, Miguel Angel Nadal (also the uncle of Rafael Nadal) confirmed that the deal was made possible thanks to his famous nephew.
"The contacts I had with Real Madrid happened through my nephew Rafa," told Miguel Nadal.
Nadal seems to have really helped out the club he loves as Asensio is now considered to be one of the most talented youngsters in football with legendary manager Del Bosque even calling him “ the greatest talent in Spanish football,"
Nadal who is currently competing in the Rio 2016 Olympics has made it to the Men’s doubles final and the men’s singles quarter-final and the Spanish superstar will be hoping to add to his 2008 gold medal.
Sergio Ramos always makes the difference – Zidane
Zinedine Zidane lavished praise on Ramos as he guided the Blancos to a win without Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos. Besides the equalizer, Sergio Ramos was denied a goal in extra time as well. The manager reveled in his stunning performance as he singled out Ramos for being the difference-maker.
Zidane said, "Sergio Ramos is our captain, an important player and he's always there to earn us the trophy. There were no special instructions for him. With a player like Sergio, he's always been the difference. We've seen it before. He's grown as a player, too. In this final, he was there just where he needed to be."
Zidane further emphasized on his squad, "We have a good squad," the manager said. "We have players who also weren't here today; four or five players in fact. It's a good squad. We've got young and experienced players. The group is always the most important; it's always been that way."
"We have a good squad," the manager said. "We have players who also weren't here today; four or five players in fact.
“It's a good squad. We've got young and experienced players. The group is always the most important; it's always been that way."
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
