"I'm not here to retire": Rafael Nadal puts Spain's Davis Cup campaign ahead of Malaga farewell

Rafael Nadal has spoken ahead of his final tournament ever which will see him play at the Davis Cup Finals albeit he isn't sure yet, neither is David Ferrer with the picks yet to be set ahead of the Netherlands tie.

When asked whether he would play Nadal said that it is up to Ferrer before going into detail about how he isn't there to retire and he is merely there to help the team win.

A slight coping mechanism of sorts as he admits it will be difficult to adapt to what is a new life and a change as he embarks on his first few weeks as a retired player.

Botic van de Zandschulp who could be an opponent in his farewell has already spoken about the fear of facing Nadal and ending his career in what is likely an ongoing narrative all week.

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"That's a question for the captain," said Nadal which drew a smile and a laugh from Ferrer.

"I'm not here to retire. I'm here to help the team win. It's my last week in a team competition and the most important thing is to help the team. The emotions will come later.

"I'm enjoying the week. I'm not putting too much attention to the retirement," Nadal continued. "It will be a big change in my life after this week."

"I've tried to prepare as hard as possible for the last month and a half. I'm trying to give my best for this event," Nadal said. "When you don't compete so often, it's difficult to maintain the level consistently. But the improvement is there every day. I believe that."

Ferrer was later asked by AP about the plans to which he said he doesn't know yet and all players are in the running. "I don't know yet," Ferrer said. "At the moment, I have not decided the players that are going to play tomorrow."