Rafael Nadal net worth, Real Madrid links and family life as he announces emotional retirement

Rafael Nadal announced on Thursday he will be retiring from tennis after the Davis Cup finals in Malaga which runs between November 19-24.

The 38-year-old has enjoyed a sensational career which has seen him lift 22 Grand Slam titles, including two Wimbledon championships and a record 14 French Open singles titles. Explaining the decision to retire from the sport, Nadal told his followers on social media: "The reality is that it has been a few difficult years.

"I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision.

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"One that has taken me some time to make. In this life everything has a beginning and and end and I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been much longer and much more successful than I could ever have imagined."

MEN Sport has taken a closer look at Nadal's life away from the court as the great prepares for life outside of tennis.

Nadal is married to Mery "Xisxa" Perello who he shares a two-year-old son, also called Rafael, with. The couple dated for 14 years before tying the knot in October 2019.

The Spaniard has always attempted to keep his private life separate from his career. He once told reporters: "I'm already exposed enough in my professional life.

"My loved ones and I like to live with a low profile." Perello has worked for the star's tennis academy the Rafa Nadal Foundation since April 2012 having graduated from university with a business degree.

After starting as a project manager, Perello has risen through the ranks to become the Foundation's CEO and secretary on the board of trustees. She has attended some of his matches in