By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Barcelona set up a special ceremony for legendary Juan Carlos Navarro, whose retirement was announced earlier this summer.
Navarro gave a heartfelt speech in which he explained that he wanted to continue playing, though he was convinced by Barcelona that it was the right time to retire.
“At first it bothers you when you are invited to leave something that you have done for so many years. Things could have been done differently, but you have to take it in. Someday I had to come. Now it’s time to help in another way and I’m motivated”, he explained.
As announced, his jersey will be retired during the first Clasico of the season, where more festivities are set to happen.
In this special moment, plenty of Spanish stars were there to give a standing ovation to Navarro, including Marc and Pau Gasol.
Standing ovation for Juan Carlos Navarro#GraciesNavarro pic.twitter.com/2yg0a5MBtQ
— Eurohoops.net (@Eurohoopsnet) 7 Σεπτεμβρίου 2018
Jokingly, JCN addressed Pau, telling him that “he couldn’t wait for him to join Barcelona anymore, so he had to retire”.
Despite his retirement, Navarro will continue being part of the club’s history, contributing in different ways off the court and guiding the team’s younger guys.