Pau Gasol replaces Nadal as Spain's Olympic flag-bearer

Pau Gasol replaces Nadal as Spain's Olympic flag-bearer

Pau Gasol, who is a basquetball star and a close friend of Rafa Nadal, was named as the Spanish team's flag-bearer at the Olympics in place of Nadal.

"The Executive Committee of the Spanish Olympic Committee ... unanimously agreed today to choose Pau Gasol as the flag-bearer of the Spanish delegation at the opening ceremony of London 2012," the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) said in a statement.

Gasol told his Twitter followers that he was "very happy to be Spain's flag-bearer. One of the happiest moments of my career."

Nadal withdrew from the Olympics with a knee injurye. He said he was not in shape to compete and calling it one of the saddest days of his career.

"Congratulations @paugasol I'm so glad you're the standard-bearer! a reference and a example! A big hug and enjoy the moment! You deserve it!" wrote Nadal on his Twitter account.