Rafael Nadal to be added to Real Madrid’s Board of Directors

File photo: Rafael Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam titles, 92 ‌tour singles titles, two Olympic gold medals and five Davis Cup triumphs. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal is set to be added to La Liga giant Real Madrid’s Board of Directors, the club announced on Wednesday.

In a statement, Real announced that it has agreed to submit to the General Assembly of Delegate Members the ratification of the appointment of the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

“Rafael Nadal, an honorary member of Real Madrid, is one of the greatest legends in the history of sport and one of the most admired and recognised Spanish athletes in the world,” the club said.

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“For Real Madrid and for all Madrid fans, it is a great source of pride that a figure of his sporting and human stature, a benchmark of Spanish and world sport, will become part of our Board of Directors and contribute, from this position of responsibility, to the present and future of our club,” Real added.

Real is expected to ratify Nadal’s appointment at the club’s general assembly on November 21. Nadal has been an honorary club member since 2011 and shares a strong relationship with Real's president, Florentino Perez.

Real is currently third in the La Liga standings with 27 points from 11 games, one point behind Atletico Madrid and three away from leader Barcelona.