“Thank you @carlitosalcarazz for these days that have been fantastic in so many ways,” he captioned an August 2 Instagram post. “Unforgettable experience with you and the whole team. And now the most important thing; come on Carlos go for the medal, you’re closer after today's victory, you can do it. We are all with you!”

And to his many fans, he added, “Thanks to all of you, all sports fans who made these games special with so much warmth and love. Even I didn’t have the result I was hoping for, you all made me feel great. Now it’s time to go back home, enjoy some holidays and think about what’s next.”

Meanwhile, Carlos was sure to pen his own message of gratitude to his countryman.

“Many thanks Rafa for this week and for having shared the floor playing for Spain,” he captioned an August 1 post. “Today wasn’t meant to be, but I carry with me a mountain of things for the future! It has been very special!”