Donald Trump gets endorsement from Yankees legend Mariano Rivera - the likely GOP nominee's 'friend' and a former member of his administration: 'I'm going to vote for him'

Likely Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is being endorsed by retired New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, the 77-year-old's friend and former co-chair of the White House's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.

Rivera, 54, has been a staunch supporter of Trump since the reality television star first ran as the Republican nominee in 2016. In fact, the two have been friends dating back to the Hall of Famer's playing days.

'President Trump, he's my friend,' Rivera told host Sid Rosenberg. 'I can't deny that. I will tell that to anyone. Before he was the president, he was my friend. Because of that, I'm going to vote for him.'

Trump's social media team promptly shared footage of the interview on Truth Social.

In addition to serving on Trump's Sports, Fitness and Nutrition council, Rivera also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in appreciation for his dominance on the mound and his inspirational journey from Panama to the Major Leagues.

Trump, left, presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Mariano Rivera in the East Room

Trump (right) and Rivera (left) watch youth baseball players at the White House in 2020

'I've been given the Medal of Freedom from the President Donald Trump,' Rivera told Rosenberg. 'It was an amazing moment. Receiving that metal was special.'

'Mariano Rivera has made extraordinary contributions to American sports, culture and society,' Trump said when presenting the award to Rivera in 2019. 'He is the most dominant relief pitcher in the history of baseball.

'And more than that, he has lived the American dream and shines as an example of American greatness for all to see.'

A controversial voice who has used homophobic slurs to describe tennis and soccer players, Rosenberg then asked Rivera if he thinks the country needs Trump to return to the White House in 2025.

'I'm not a politician,' Rivera responded, indicating that he still supports Trump. 'I'll tell you that right now. I'm not going for the right or the left. I'm always going for whoever is doing the right thing for the country.'

A long-time Yankees fan, Trump is seen watching a 2012 game in the Bronx with Bill O'Reilly

Trump and Marla Maples attend Police Athletic League Celebrity Softball Game in 1991

Mariano Rivera celebrates his first World Series title with the Yankees in October of 1996

Rivera ranks first in MLB history with 652 saves and remains the only player ever to be unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).

He became a naturalized US citizen in 2015 and has since embraced Israel while offering vocal support for the Jewish state.

While Rivera has remained popular with baseball fans amid his support for Trump, retired pitcher Curt Schilling has blamed his Hall-of-Fame snub on writers' 'hatred' for the former President and conservatives.

Rivera, though, suffered no such backlash among BBWAA members, who voted him into the Hall of Fame unanimously in 2019.