Tennis icon Nadal set to marry girlfriend of 14 years
What's the story
In a good news for his fans, Spain's Rafael Nadal has gotten engaged to his girlfriend Mery Perello, who he has been dating for 14 years. As per reports, Nadal had proposed to his lady love last May when the couple was on a vacation to Rome, but managed to keep it a secret. The news of their engagement got revealed recently.
Details
Couple to get married at Spanish island Mallorca
The couple has been dating since 2005 but Perello never attends any of his matches. She is often spotted court side, probably to let Nadal focus. Last weekend, she made a rare appearance and was seen in the stands at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, when Nadal was being defeated by Novak Djokovic. They are likely to get married in Mallorca, Nadal's hometown.
About
Perello works for RafaNadal Foundation as a project director
Perello also hails from Nadal's hometown Mallorca and has a business degree. She works for RafaNadal Foundation as a project director. About staying away from the limelight, Perello, in her only interview, had said, "He needs his space when he is competing and just the idea of me hanging around and waiting on his needs all day tires me out."
Statements
Nadal had previously said he will get married after retirement
Previously on the issue of marriage, Nadal, in an interview, had said, "For a wedding there is time, I will think about it after retiring from tennis." But now it looks like it's going to be sooner. In another interview, Nadal said he'd love to have children with Perello, "I love children and I would like my children to do what they like."