Senior FC Barcelona official brands Nadal 'enemy of state', resigns days after public remarks

Senior FC Barcelona official Alfons Godall has stepped down from his position at the football club after his controversial remarks slamming Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal.

Rafael Nadal may have written his name into the history books by becoming the first man in tennis to claim 21 Grand Slam titles, but not everyone is happy with his historic feat. One senior FC Barcelona official made his feelings public on Twitter and his remarks created a media storm in Spain.

After Nadal became the historic owner of 21 grand slam trophies Godall launched an all-out assault on him, dubbing him the "enemy of the state" before revealing that Nadal's success has bothered him for many years. Godall also referred to Nadal as "Navidad," which means "Christmas" in Spanish.

He further said:

"I have him in the same group as La Roja [Spanish national football team's nickname], Real Madrid, (Fernando) Alonso, and everything that represents the enemy state."

Godall's comments were closely related to his feelings of Catalonia's status within Spain as he and many other Barcelona officials have openly spoken about their support for the region's independence. All entities mentioned in his tweets have opposed any such actions. It doesn't help that Nadal openly supports Real Madrid as well.

Upon resigning Godall wrote in a statemenet:

"I don't want to cost FC Barcelona a penny or give up my freedom of expression. Consequently, I resign from the position. Thank you!"