Barca official calls Rafael Nadal 'enemy of the state'
An FC Barcelona official, Alfons Godall, attacked Rafael Nadal after his Australian Open victory . He has since resigned, but has not yet received an apology.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit:
Feb 12, 2022, 12:52 pm
It's a bit complicated at Nadal's house when it comes to football.
Rafael Nadal's uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal, played 208 games for FC Barcelona as a professional footballer; a video of little Rafael standing with him on the pitch after a game for RDC Mallorca keeps doing the rounds on social media.
However, Rafael Nadal himself, also a promising football talent in his youth, is a supporter of Real Madrid.
Was it because Alfons Godall embroidered something on Twitter?
"I didn't like Rafael Navidad ("Nadal" means "Christmas" in Catalan) from day one," Godall rumbled shortly after Nadal's win at the Australian Open. "So does La Roja (the Spanish national team), Real Madrid, Fernando Alonso and all the other enemies of the state."
Godall left it open why this is so. After severe criticism, he only explained shortly afterwards: "Looks like some got a little angry at noon! Good night everyone!"
Barca President on Nadal: 'Forgive him because he brings us joy with his tennis'
The 59-year-old has since resigned from his post, but no apology or explanation followed. Godall said he didn't want to give up his freedom of expression, but he also wanted to avert possible damage from FC Barcelona. His tweet with his opinion "on a famous person" could damage the Barca Foundation after pressure from partners and the media. Therefore he withdraws.
Barca President Joan Laporta probably acknowledged this decision with gratitude. He stated that he accepted this. And in contrast to Godall, he was much more impressed by Nadal. "Unfortunately, he doesn't belong to Barca," he explained. And added kindly: "But we forgive him because he brings us joy with his tennis."