Zinedine Zidane Calls Rafael Nadal a Spectacular Sportsman, Backs Tennis Ace in Doping Accusations
Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid have backed Rafael Nadal after the tennis ace was accused of doping by former French minister for Health and Sport Roselyne Bachelot.
Real Madrid has joined the defense of Rafael Nadal after doping accusations made by a former French minister. (Rafael Nadal Accused of Doping by Former French Sports Minister)
The Spanish soccer giant expressed its "total support" for the 14-time Grand Slam winner in a statement Saturday which called the accusations by former French Minister for Health and Sport Roselyne Bachelot "unjustifiable and intolerable." (Maria Sharapova Should be Punished, Says Rafael Nadal)
Bachelot claimed on French television on Thursday that the Spaniard's seven-month injury hiatus in 2012 was "probably due to a positive doping test."
Nadal is a prominent fan of Madrid and a "member of honor" of the club.
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane also backed Nadal.
"I feel bad for what is being said," the former France great said. "Everyone who likes sports likes Nadal, whether you are French, American, he is spectacular."
The Spanish Olympic Committee, national team manager Vicente del Bosque and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique have also supported Nadal, who denies any wrongdoing.