Madrid (AFP)
Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol on Thursday called on the Spanish sports world to mobilize against the coronavirus pandemic and launched a call for donations in favor of the Red Cross in the hope of raising 11 million euros.
"After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that you, all Spaniards, have never failed in your duty to us, the athletes. We are what we are thanks in large part to your support and now is the time. come for the athletes not to disappoint you, "said Nadal, world tennis N.2, in a video posted on social networks.
The player explains that he had the idea of calling his basketball friend, Pau Gasol, double NBA champion, to launch this operation, in the second country in the world most affected by coronavirus with more than 4,000 deaths.
"Spanish athletes have always tried to arouse your pride, to be a benchmark in the world, today we want to achieve it in a more transcendent way, today we want to achieve our best victory," said Gasol, in another video.
The campaign by the two Spanish athletes aims to collect "11 million euros to help more than 1.34 million people", explains Gasol, adding that the objective is to help "the people most affected by the coronavirus ". "My donation and that of Rafa are already on the way and I hope that all Spanish sport will join this call", concludes the Spanish pivot.
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Sevilla FC coach Julen Lopetegui were among the first to relay the call.
© 2020 AFP