LONDON: Spanish Wimbledon winner Rafael Nadal said Sunday he would love to go to the football World Cup and watch Spain lift the trophy.

Nadal said he was due to have treatment on his troublesome knees ahead of the US hard court season, but might be able to jet out to South Africa to cheer on his compatriots.

European champions Spain play Germany on Wednesday in the semi-finals.

"I would love to be there, it`s my favourite sport," Nadal said after winning his second Wimbledon title.

"I have to think. I don`t know, it`s very far. If the World Cup was in Europe it would be much easier for me. But in South Africa, it`s a very long trip so I don`t know.

"I have to do treatment right now on the knees. I have to have serious work, the same time to try to be ready for the American season. So I don`t think so. I`m going to see.

"But for me it would be a pleasure to be there. I am a crazy fan of football, and for sure a big supporter of our team. I am in contact with the players. I just wish the team all the best."

He added: "We won the European Cup with the football, and right now we are in semi-finals in the World Cup. So we are in probably the best moment of our history in sport.

"That`s very difficult to do. We have to know how difficult it is to be there and enjoy these moments, because it`s going to be be very difficult to repeat another generation like we have now."

BDST: 1400hrs, July 5, 2010