You have given me emotions and moments I could never have imagined": Nadal's moving speech during his tribute at Roland-Garros
After a video retracing his achievements to start the tribute ceremony, Rafael Nadal took the floor to deliver a long speech of gratitude.
A speech he notably began in French: "Good evening everyone. I don't know where to start. After playing on this court for the past twenty years, after suffering, winning, losing, being moved each time, I realize how lucky I am to be here.
(He continues in English) I have been moved every time I have come here. I came here for the first time in 2004, I could hardly walk, I was on crutches because of my foot injury. I climbed to the top dreaming of being able to play here the following year.
In 2005, I played here for the first time, and my first great experience was the match against my childhood friend and rival, Richard Gasquet. From that moment, I fully understood what Roland-Garros meant.
I have had incredible opponents like Andy, Novak, and of course Roger. And many others too, who pushed me to my physical and mental limits. Nothing would have been more exciting without these rivalries."
The Spaniard then continued his speech by thanking his family, his loved ones, his uncle and former coach Toni, as well as all the people behind the scenes who helped him achieve all these feats.
And he finally concluded in French with these few words:
"Finally, thank you France, thank you Paris. You have given me emotions and moments I could never have imagined. You cannot know how rewarding it is to feel loved at the place that matters most to oneself.
You made me feel like another Frenchman. I will no longer be able to play in front of you, but my heart and my memories remain forever linked to this magical place and its people. A thousand thanks for everything you have done.
French Open 
