by FFE EU News staff

The world’s number two tennis player Rafael Nadal refused an offer to fly via private jet to the Davis Cup in Madrid. He said, “I don't think it's the right time to make the State pay for my trip.”

Nadal with his US Open trophy

Spain’s Tennis Federation offered the private plane in the hope that their most important player will arrive in top physical form after Monday’s US Open final against Novak Djokovic in New York. Nadal, backed by his uncle and coach Toni, politely refused the offer to avoid unnecessary expense for the federation and the government.

Toni has lately been very vocal about sports salaries. He said “I don’t like that so much was paid for Bale,” referring to football team Real Madrid’s offer to acquire their newest recruit.

“Not because of him personally, I also think that what Rafa gets paid is ridiculous, what Barça's coach Tata Martino gets, or Xavi.

“It's ludicrous to think that a football coach who manages twenty people is paid more than the Prime Minister. We live in a crazy world!”

Nadal’s refusal of costly spending comes after Madrid’s bid to host the Olympics failed the third time.