Real Madrid have launched a staunch defence of Spanish tennis star and Los Blancos fan Rafa Nadal after he was accused of covering up a failed drugs test.
In a week in which the sport has come under the spotlight after Maria Sharapova, the world number 7, admitted she had failed a test at the Australian Open in March for having taken the now-banned drug meldonium, Nadal was accused by a former French sports minister of failing a test.
Roselyne Bachelot claimed the seven-month lay off for Nadal in 2012 was because he had failed a test and the knee injury excuse was just a cover up. It’s not the first time the 14-time grand slam winner has faced allegations of drug use. Yannick Noah and former Belgian pro Christophe Rochus have also accused Nadal of failing a test.
A statement released by Real Madrid read: “Real Madrid C.F. would like to express their full support to our honorary member, Rafa Nadal, undoubtedly one of the greatest sportsmen of all time in Spain and in the world.
“Rafa Nadal represents the fundamental values of sport. His greatness and his incredible achievements have always been based upon a foundation of exemplary conduct, unwavering work, talent and astonishing levels of commitment.
“This being the case, our institution considers the attacks made on his person by former minister Roselyne Bachelot to be unjustifiable and unacceptable.”
Boss Zinedine Zidane was also asked about the allegations in his press conference and backed the tennis star.
He commented: “I feel bad for Rafa Nadal because he is a gentleman, a person that has shown the values he has and that everyone loves. He is a professional and I know him a little. I feel bad for what they have said. “He has to leave all this to one side and think that everyone who loves sport, loves Rafa Nadal, whether they be French, Spanish or American.”
