Real Madrid have backed Rafael Nadal over doping accusations
Sunday 13 March 2016 11:38, UK
Real Madrid have backed Rafael Nadal over doping accusations made by former French Minister Roselyne Bachelot that he had probably been using performance enhancing drugs in 2012
The Spanish football giants have jumped to the defence of someone they call the greatest sportsman of all time, branding Bachelot's comments as both unjustifiable and unacceptable.
The former French Minister for Health and Sport was speaking on French Television on Thursday when she claimed that the Spaniard's seven-month injury hiatus in 2012 was "probably due to a positive doping test."
The 29-year-old took a prolonged absence from the game due to tendinitis in his knee after Wimbledon in 2012, before a stomach virus further prevented his return.
The former world No 1 had been asked about doping on Wednesday in light of Maria Sharapova's admission that she had failed a drugs test at the Australian Open, and categorically denied ever having doped.
"I am a completely clean guy," said Nadal. "I have never had the temptation of doing something wrong."
After Bachelot's claim the following day, Real Madrid felt the need to defend their 'idol' with an announcement on the club's website backing the tennis star, who is a 'member of honour' at the club.
"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", it said.
"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.
"Real Madrid C.F. consider the close ties to an idol such as Nadal to be an honour, such is his status as a symbol sporting excellence. Nadal is admired and adored by millions of fans the world over, and today our club is standing firmly by his side."
The Spanish Olympic Committee, national team manager Vicente del Bosque and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique have also supported Nadal.
