Rafael Nadal: "I don't have to forgive Kylian Mbappe for anything, hopefully we can see him in Real Madrid in the future"

Rafael Nadal has no ill will towards Kylian Mbappe whatsoever for declining a move to Real Madrid at the last minute in 2022. The Spaniard only wishes Mbappe all the best for the future, and would in fact welcome him to the club in a heartbeat if such a chance were to arise in the future.

Reports had emerged earlier that Mbappe was very close to leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for Madrid, but he ended up extending his contract with the French club for five more years. The 24-year-old's late reversal earned him a lot of criticism from Real Madrid fans.

Speaking to Spanish daily Diario AS, however, Nadal defended the French youngster, saying that he was merely a young boy who was overwhelmed by "pressure from all angles."

"I don't have to forgive [Kylian] Mbappé for anything and as a [Real] Madrid fan, if he could, come tomorrow," Nadal said. "In the end, things happen in sports and I suppose that such a young boy was overwhelmed by such tremendous pressure from all angles that in the end... I think he wanted to come to Madrid, but due to many factors, everything was very complicated for him."

The 22-time Grand Slam champion reckons that even without the presence of Mbappe, Real Madrid are in a good position in all competitions, playing fantastic football at the moment. Nadal was all praise for the team and their coach Carlo Ancelotti, opining that he was happy to see the combination of youngsters and veterans that have made Los Blancos a force to be feared in international football.

"Hopefully we can see him in [Real] Madrid in the future. I would like Kylian to be there this year, but even so, Madrid is in a privileged position in all competitions, playing fantastic football for me. And until the last three games before the break, everything was going smoothly," Nadal said.

"I think Madrid have a great team, with a coach who knows how to manage everything in the best possible way. And I'm happy to see Madrid as it is, with many young players combined with veteran players," he added.

"I have the illusion of having a good year again" - Rafael Nadal on his 2023 season

Rafael Nadal expects to have a good 2023 season

Rafael Nadal also touched on his own plans for the 2023 season in the interview, stating that he expects to have a good year and compete at the highest level once again.

While the 36-year-old admitted that his age complicated matters, he remains confident that he has what it takes to manage everything in the best way possible and give himself the best options.

"Things change very fast in sports. But I have the illusion of having a good year again and giving myself options to compete again at the highest level. Later, I am aware that I am the age that I am, and that things happen," Nadal said. "I will have to manage it in the best possible way and try to do my best to give myself real options."