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Rafael Nadal has put some of his earnings behind Real Mallorca, his local professional football team that has been struggling financially for some time. It was announced on Thursday that Rafa would become a shareholder
“It’s an honour to be able to help Real Mallorca, I will help in any way I can,” Wimbledon champion Nadal was quoted as saying on the club website. I am proud to be a part of this new project put together by Mallorca locals. I am very pleased to have Laudrup as the new coach and as the image for the club.”
This is not the first connection between the Nadal family and Real Mallorca. Miguel Angel Nadal, Rafa’s uncle, was once a famous professional soccer player for Barcelona, and then later in his career for Real Mallorca. Miguel Angel will take the number two coaching position behind Laudrup after the team underwent some structural changes to try and improve their chances of success for the next season.
The team is in such dire financial straights that they are in voluntary administration and are said to over creditors 85 million euros.

