TENNIS star Rafa Nadal would 'not want to see Catalunya become independent' and says corrupt politicians should be removed from their seats.
Speaking at a press conference organised by Sabadell bank, Rafa, from Manacor - famous for its pearl factories - said he has close ties with the north-eastern region and would 'accept' its seceding from Spain, but would not be happy about it.
"I do sympathise with the pro-independence side; nobody could think I'm on the 'ultra-Spanish' side. I'm from Mallorca, and I speak the same language as Catalunya does," Nadal stated.
The Balearic Islands' three regional tongues - Mallorquín, Menorquín and Ibicuenco - take their roots from Catalán, and the interview with Rafa was conducted entirely in Mallorquín.
"I have two flats in Barcelona and I feel very close to Catalunya, but I don't understand why there's such a problem and so much confrontation.
"Everyone should be free to feel whatever they want; if I want something, it doesn't mean I hate those who are against it.
"For my part, as a Spaniard and a Balearic, I would not like Catalunya to be an independent nation. I want it to remain within the State, within Spanish territory, because I've always experienced it this way. I can't see and I wouldn't like it otherwise.
"I love Catalunya, Spain and the Balearics; I consider they are all one and the same and would like it to continue this way; but if the opposite happened, I'd accept it."
Inevitably, in a discussion on political issues and current affairs, Nadal was asked for his views on the corruption cases which have been reported and the high-ranking current and former politicians and tycoons being questioned.
"I see corruption in the same way as everyone does, I think it's equally as bad as anyone else would - even from my own position as someone whose life is going very well and who is far less frustrated than those who struggle to make it to the end of the month on a very tight salary," the sports star admitted.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com