Spain’s veteran player Pau Gasol has decided to announce his retirement from Basketball. Gasol had a glorious 23-year old career as he achieved all the accolades and records. The Spaniard had earlier announced his retirement from International Basketball in August after Spain lost to the United States of America in the quarterfinal of the Tokyo Olympics, which was his fifth Games.
Gasol was a two-time NBA champion, he was included six times in the All-Star team, four times in All-NBA, and was also awarded Rookie of the year. The legendary player played 19 seasons in the NBA.
“In the end, playing until the age of 41, with everything that I have done, I think that’s not bad,” Gasol said. “I’m very pleased and very grateful for having the career that I had and for receiving so much affection and support.”
Gasol has been with Spain’s club Barcelona since February but he hardly in the last two years due to his trouble with the left-foot injury.
“I’m going to retire from professional basketball,” Gasol said. “It’s a difficult decision after so many years, but it’s a decision that I really thought over.”
Gasol also wished that late Kobe Bryant could be with him when he made his retirement announcement. The 41-year old stated that Bryant inspired him to be a better player and a winner.
“I really would have liked for him to be here,” Gasol said. “Sometimes life can be very unfair and we miss him and his daughter ‘Gigi’ a great deal. He taught me how to be a better leader, a better competitor. He showed me what it meant to be a winner. I have always considered him my older brother, so thank you, Kobe.”
The talisman averaged 17 points and 9.2 rebounds in 1,226 regular-season games with five NBA teams, playing as a center and power forward. His other teams were the Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks. Gasol’s last NBA match for Milwaukee Bucks in 2019. He also signed up with Portland Trail Blazers in the same season but could not get a game.
Gasol also won three Olympics medals with Spain bagging Silver in Beijing 2008 and London 2012 and Bronze in Rio 2016. He also won a world championship title with Spain in 2006. Furthermore, he won European titles in 2009, 2011, and 2015.
