By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Manu Ginobili decided to retire from the national team of Argentina, however the legacy that he leaves behind is more than admirable.
After the emotional moments which followed the game against USA, Manu spoke to the press not about his decision, but about the end of a basketball era.
“This is my 20th year since my first game with the national team,” Ginobili said. “I’m very proud. And at the same time, I’m happy – sad and happy because having the opportunity to play this game at 39, it’s not something that happens often.
How many athletes are my age, especially basketball players? I’m so incredibly lucky to have stayed healthy, to have played with some of the same guys for so long and having done so well with my team – it’s been an amazing run.
I’m very proud of it.”
“They congratulated me,” Ginobili said about the USA players and coaches who hugged him after the game and shared his emotions. “They were very kind, very respectful, and when legends of the game show their respect, it has an extra value. They didn’t have to do it. They could have just shaken my hand and then go do their thing and go think about Spain, but they spared some very kind words, respectful words. I truly appreciate it. I’m proud of the longevity, the way we played the game, of all the things we accomplished, the friendships and the camaraderie we created, so I’m proud of a lot of things”.
Andres Nocioni who also retired explained what Argentina’s success ment to international basketball: “I hope the next generation looks up and believes they can dream.
We dreamed that we could beat the best teams in the world, and we did. The kids, they have to learn to dream and work hard to do what we achieved.
I think we can do this again, I have no doubt others can do this after us”.
However the last word belongs to Ginobili: “It has been an incredible era. It is something very important in your life that is ending, and that means a lot, so you’ve got to think of so many things, and well, makes me feel a little emotional.”