(EFE) Rafael Nadal has been termed “the most Parisian of the Mallorcans,” by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, upon receiving the Grand Vermeil, the highest honour the city can bestow.
Tennis player Rafael Nadal poses with the Grand Vermeil Paris medal, he received from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, right, during a ceremony at the Paris city Hall, in Paris, France, Thursday, May 21, 2015. By winning the 2014 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament nine times and he begins the defense of his title for the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros stadium next week. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Tennis player Rafael Nadal looks on prior to receive from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo the Grand Vermeil Paris medal during a ceremony at the Paris city Hall, in Paris, France, Thursday, May 21, 2015. By winning the 2014 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament nine times and he begins defense his title on the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros stadium next week.(AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Tennis player Rafael Nadal poses with the Grand Vermeil Paris medal, after receiving it from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo during a ceremony at the Paris City Hall, Thursday, May 21, 2015. By winning the 2014 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament nine times and he begins defense his title on the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros stadium next week. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Tennis player Rafael Nadal signs autographs after he received the Grand Vermeil Paris medal from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo during a ceremony at the Paris City Hall, in Paris, France, Thursday, May 21, 2015. By winning the 2014 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament nine times and he begins defense his title on the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros stadium next week. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Tennis player Rafael Nadal signs autographs after he received the Grand Vermeil Paris medal from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo during a ceremony at the Paris City Hall, in Paris, France, Thursday, May 21, 2015. By winning the 2014 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament nine times and he begins defense his title on the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros stadium next week. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Fotografía facilitada por la alcaldía de París que muestra al tenista Rafa Nadal (2d) tras recibir la Medalla Grand Vermeil, la mayor condecoración de la ciudad, de manos de la alcaldesa de la ciudad Anne Hidalgo (d) durante una ceremonia celebrada en el ayuntamiento de París, Francia hoy 21 de mayo de 2015. EFE/Henri Garat **SÓLO USO EDITORIAL/NO VENTAS**
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said: “Nadal has marked and continues to mark the history of Paris. The history of Roland Garros cannot be written without Rafael Nadal.” Hidalgo added that Rafa has been “an exemplary champion who has always maintained his humility.”
Our champ thanked the city for the honour, describing Paris as the “most important city” in his career, and the one where he “came of age as a sportsman.”
Congrats Rafa!
Source: as.com