King Felipe VI thanked tennis player Rafael Nadal for his effort and excellence on Tuesday. “one of the best ambassadors” Spain.

Six of this was emphasized by the king. 5th Camino Real Award ceremony Awarded by the University of Alcalá de Henares (UAH) to Spaniards “who, in an extraordinary and exemplary way, projected and developed the positive image of Spain in the United States”.

After receiving this awardno, nadal “He is becoming a new link in the chain of excellent Spaniards who, due to his admirable and outstanding work, contribute to promoting and spreading the best image of Spain in the countries of North America,” said King.

Nadal and previous winners of this award for their work “the most authentic and positive” values, Don Felipe stressed Nadal’s “perfect and impeccable demeanor”, adding “not just in the field of sports”.

For the monarch, Nadal’s “firmness and determination” that fascinated countless followers gave him “It’s a projection that makes him one of the best ambassadors our country could have, and I want to thank him for that.”

The king announced that he was the name of the award. Camino Real de California awarded by UAH’s “Benjamin Franklin” institute recallsIt is nearly 1,000 kilometers long, connecting more than 20 Spanish missions in Alta California.

Therefore, the award recognizes the work “To the men and women who continue to proudly bear the name of Spain on the lands of North America”.

Don Felipe also emphasized that: Nadal’s ability to “keep working to improve and do it while enjoying it”an extreme where the tennis player conflicts with himself, emphasizing his intention to continue playing in his speech.

“I hope this award doesn’t mean my tennis career is over; That’s not my intention”He assured me with a big smile in the auditorium of the university after receiving the statue made by Carlos Ciriza from the hands of the king.

“Royal Way” Award was established in 2012, To recognize the professional work of Hispanics, coinciding with the 25th anniversary (1987) of the founding of the Institute, which, in an extraordinary and exemplary way, reflects and enhances the positive image of Spain in the United States.

Caixabank chairman and Franklin Institute advisory council chairman, José Ignacio Goirigolzarri He explained that it was unanimously decided to award Nadal the award because it “incorporates the highest qualities of athletes: sacrifice, effort, fair play, humility in victory and greatness in the face of adversity”.

The tennis player pointed out that he is “an indispensable reference for young people due to his honesty, ability to overcome and respect for his opponents”.

Previous winners of the “Camino Real” award became tenors Placido Domingocardiologist Valentin Fuster, basketball player Pau Gasol and the player Antonio Banderas.