Don’t stop loving Nadal over Madrid role, Mourinho tells fans

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has urged supporters of Rafa Nadal not to turn their backs on the tennis legend following the club’s decision to propose him for a place on the board of directors.

Speaking after Real Madrid’s 3-2 Champions League win over AEK Athens, Mourinho welcomed the news with characteristic warmth.

As reported by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano on X on Thursday, Mourinho was quoted as saying, “Rafa Nadal and Real Madrid? Chapeau. It’s a fantastic news. Congrats to the club and to Rafa,” he said.

He then added: “What I will say is that I hope the fans who support him do not stop supporting him just because he is now a Real Madrid member!”

Nadal, a lifelong Madridista and long-time honorary member of the club, is set to join the board subject to ratification at the General Assembly on 21 November.

Mourinho described the appointment as a source of pride for the club and its supporters, while light-heartedly appealing for Nadal’s wider fanbase to continue backing him.

In the same press conference, Mourinho turned to squad matters and singled out young Brazilian forward Endrick.

Reflecting on the depth of his options, the Portuguese coach admitted: “It makes me angry how many great players I have that I can’t play or start every game…”

He highlighted Endrick’s value as an impact substitute, noting that facing the energetic attacker late in matches, when opposing defenders are already tired, is “a real tragedy” for them.

Mourinho emphasised that the strength of the squad is an asset, provided every player puts the team first.