By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After a career that included gold medals with the Spanish national team, EuroLeague titles with Real Madrid and CSKA Moscow, and two trips to the NBA, Sergio Rodriguez called it a day.
The final act of his career was played today in Madrid as the club honored his legacy.
Per the press release:
The Real Madrid City pavilion was the scene of the emotional tribute and farewell ceremony to Sergio Rodríguez, one of the great legends of our team and European basketball, who ended a successful career as a Real Madrid player with 17 titles in eight seasons. The brilliant Canarian point guard was accompanied by president Florentino Pérez, who presented him with the club’s gold and diamond insignia; the honorary president of Real Madrid, José Martínez Pirri, and several members of the Board of Directors. Also attending, among others: Juan Carlos Sánchez Lázaro, director of the Basketball section; Chus Mateo, Llull, Rudy, Abalde, and Hugo González; Madrid legends such as Felipe Reyes, Alberto Herreros, Emiliano Rodríguez, Clifford Luyk, Brabender and Pablo Laso; and former teammates like Alocén or Garuba.
After an emotional video of Sergio Rodríguez ‘s greatest moments, the Real Madrid president took the floor and said: “Dear Sergio, dear Chacho: we Madridistas are experiencing a day of intense emotions today and that is why we all want to offer you our immense gratitude for what you have represented for Real Madrid and the world of basketball.”
“For me, as president of Real Madrid, it has been a great honor to have a player like you. Because beyond the titles and what you have achieved with this shield and this shirt, we will forever remain with your way of being and with your love.”
A unique player
“We have all enjoyed your enormous talent, your magic and your way of understanding basketball. You gain the admiration and affection of all of us who love this sport. And you have done it because on the basketball courts, you were different and because, in addition, you have been a model player with great professionalism.”
Example and legend
“You already have a very important place in the history of Real Madrid. These have been 8 seasons in which you have become one of our greatest legends. You have played 580 games with this shirt and have managed to win 17 titles: 2 European Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 4 Leagues, 5 Copa del Rey, and 5 Spanish Super Cups .”
“We Madrid fans are proud of you, dear Sergio, because, in addition to everything you have won with Real Madrid, you are an example of our values and everything that our club represents: improvement, never giving up, respect, humility, camaraderie, and solidarity.”
Real Madrid reference
“Dear Chacho, you say goodbye from Real Madrid in another season for history: the year of the treble, after winning the League, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. Today we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have given us, and for being a reference for the values of Real Madrid, sport, and life. I wish you the best in this new stage with your family and loved ones. Dear Sergio, thank you for your magic. And as you well know, Real Madrid is and will always be your home.”
Sergio Rodríguez stated on his farewell: “Today I say goodbye to something that I love deeply: being a professional basketball player”
“It is a real pleasure to be here. Today I say goodbye to something that I love deeply: being a professional basketball player. But first of all, I want to start by thanking Real Madrid for giving me the opportunity to say goodbye in this house, in a unique setting, and doing it during a wonderful season with my family, friends, and many of the people who have been fundamental to being able to develop my career”.
“President Florentino, thank you very much for the effort and enthusiasm that the club puts into the basketball section. The success in recent years is a consequence of long-term work to achieve these objectives. Since I signed in 2010 until now, the boost to the basketball section has been enormous. The spectacular facility in which we find ourselves today is created for the development and improvement, not only of the first team but also of the youth team, and is a world reference, on par with the best facilities in the NBA, which makes the “Real Madrid is a benchmark club in attracting talent.”
“In these eight years that I have been part of Real Madrid, I have perceived your presence as something vital to be clear about our objectives, which coming from you cannot be anything other than winning and doing so with the values that Real Madrid represents. Thank you very much for everything, president.”
After reviewing his entire professional career, Sergio Rodríguez closed his speech by talking about Real Madrid: “I wanted to leave for last the club that has left the greatest mark on me as an athlete and as a person. The place where I feel most identified: is Real Madrid. When you sign for Real Madrid you know that you take on an enormous responsibility, not only with your teammates, coaches, and club staff but with millions of fans who constantly follow us around the world and with its history. I have been able to live through two incredible stages at this club, winning a total of 17 titles, including two Euroleagues .”