Good news from the world of sports and romance! Professional tennis player Rafael Nadal is now engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Mery Francisca “Xisca” Perello. After 14 years, this is a long time coming. Rafael confessed to HOLA! magazine in a story that was published on Wednesday, January 30. The 32-year-old athlete proposed to his lady love during a romantic trip to Italy. While the classic proposal venue is no surprise, the timing is. That sexy vacation took place in May of 2018. The couple managed to keep this happy news under lock and key for eight entire months. Rafael and Xisca have already scheduled their wedding. They plan to tie the knot this fall. We do not yet know the exact venue, but we at least know the location. The nuptials will take place on the Spanish island of Mallorca. (The island’s name is sometimes spelled Majorca, in case you recognize it from that spelling. And yes, it was mentioned in Harry Potter ) We cannot imagine how difficult it was for the two of them to keep that secret for eight entire months. But their relationship in general has never been a secret. In fact, Rafael had previously opened up to Hello! , the sister publication of HOLA! , about their future plans. At the time, he discussed children. “Obviously,” Rafael said. “I have the intention of forming a family.” “I love children,” he affirmed. “And I would like my children to do what they like.” Not everyone who once intended to form a family goes on to do so. Life is expensive, and children are even more so. But Rafael is the No. 2 tennis player on the entire planet. His net worth is somewhere in the ballpark (or tennis court, if you will) of $180 million dollars. He can afford to support a family. Congratulations are in order to Rafael and especially to Xisca. They’ve been together since they were teens. The moment that the news broke on Wednesday, Rafael’s fans took to Twitter to offer their regards. “Congratulations @RafaelNadal!!!” gushes one fan. “It makes us very happy to take this step with Xisca.” Xisca is well known to Rafael’s fans, of course — in part because she has been his fan for so much longer. “Thank you for teaching us the good things in life,” the fan continues. “Bless you.” That is such a positive, affirming message! “@RafaelNadal congrats to your engagement with Xisca finally!!” another fan raves. (Please don’t write finally about this kind of thing; it’s not your business) “Your lives will be even better and happier together for sure!!” the fan concludes. We extend our congratulations and wish Rafael and Xisca the best of luck! Not everyone makes it to the altar, unfortunately. View Slideshow: 13 Famous Couples Whose Engagements Were a Flop
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Mery Perello: Engaged to Rafael Nadal!
