Rafael Nadal’s former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, made headlines as he came forward in support of the ‘King of Clay’ regarding his controversial involvement in a deal with Saudi Arabia. Adding to the flame of the whole incident, Toni Nadal recently talked about the Spaniard’s present situation’s resemblance to a historical event that generated quite a stir in the sporting community.

Rafael Nadal’s decision to be the brand ambassador of the Saudi Tennis Federation has evoked a debate with opposing arguments both in support and against it. However, Toni Nadal’s comment on the matter added an even more controversial angle to it.

Toni Nadal draws similarities between Spain’s past and Rafael Nadal’s present situation.

Rafael Nadal’s agreement with Saudi Arabia for the promotion and development of tennis has left his fans heartbroken. They are now questioning his integrity and principles. Toni Nadal’s comment on the matter provided an example of the help that Spain received from Americans during the Franco era.

In an interview, he said, “How do you help improve a country more, by boycotting Saudi Arabia or helping its young people? This is the same as when the Americans included us, during the Franco era, in the famous Marshall Plan to contribute economically to the modernization of our country. They thought that Franco and his regime were one thing, and the citizens were another.”

The financial contribution of America towards modernizing Spain helped it flourish and come out of the authoritarian policies created during Franco’s rule. Therefore, Toni Nadal believes that Rafa’s participation in Saudi Arabia can also similarly further develop the sporting community and help it grow.

Read more: ‘A Lot of Money Involved’ – Rafael Nadal’s $750 Million Saudi Arabia Deal Draws an Unfiltered Take From Former Pro

“I think that today we live in an excessively hypocritical world,” he further added, emphasizing the nuances created to blur the intersection of sports and politics.

Toni Nadal on Rafa’s contribution towards changing the society

Toni Nadal also spoke about the financial security that Nadal can provide to improve society and the lives of many people. He highlighted how Rafa’s contribution to getting young people interested in playing sports has helped many in Saudi Arabia.

“My nephew was offered to try to get young people to do sports in that country (…) Rafa believes that what he can contribute can help change and improve society and the lives of many young people, just as if he did it in Cuba or in Venezuela,” said the former coach of the Spanish tennis champion.

Although very little information is available on Rafael Nadal’s deal with Saudi Arabia, it is clear that his involvement in the matter has made his fans question his reputation as a respectable tennis player. However, Toni Nadal’s comment on the matter created a new way of approaching the situation. What are your thoughts on this new angle that Toni Nadal came up with?

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